There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types which are mostly utilized in the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric lift truck is typically utilized indoors away from the elements. These models are easier to use inside of a confined warehouse space. They produce no emissions that need to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to operate.
The internal combustion lift truck however are great in outdoor operations and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These units are available with a less upfront cost. Additionally, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, as their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to pick the internal combustion route, the next decision you would face is what kind of fuel do you want to use to power your machinery? There are several newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular fuel types are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your business, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of machinery is a great idea. Like for example, would a propane lift be best for your specific application or company? Take time to read on to be able to find out more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest units to refill that is a great thing to take into account because it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and require no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane costs will likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair expenses will be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Moreover, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane units than diesel or gas. It is important to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly vary from place to place.