The electric forklift and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts used within the industry.
The electric lift truck is typically utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse area. They produce no emissions which need to be vented or collected and are much quieter to operate.
However, internal combustion lift trucks are superior in outdoor applications and are frequently used in external loading docks and construction zones. These models come with a less upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, as their internal batteries need a few hours of recharging time.
If your business does choose an internal combustion unit, the next decision that is usually faced is the fuel type that you would use to power your machine. There are several newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the best forklift for your company, examining the pros and cons of every type of machine is a great idea. For instance, would a propane lift be right for your specific company or application? Take time to read on in order to find out more.
Amongst the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill which is a huge thing to consider as it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly fast to swap out and need no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift may be its biggest disadvantage. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline forklifts. Furthermore, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses can really vary from place to place.