There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties that are mainly used in the marketplace: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
The electric forklift is normally utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to use in a tight warehouse area. They are much quieter to operate and produce no emissions which need to be vented or collected.
However, internal combustion lift trucks are great in outdoor operations and are usually used in external loading docks and construction zones. These units come with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, because their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to pick the IC route, the next decision you would face is what kind of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are several newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When deciding on the right forklift for your company, it is a great idea to go over the pros and cons which a particular type of lift would bring to your business. For instance, would a propane lift be right for your particular company or application? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
One of the best advantages propane forklifts have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill that is a huge thing to consider because it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and require no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane costs will likely be their ongoing costs. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Moreover, fuel costs are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really differ from place to place.