There are 2 main forklift fuel types and varieties which are mostly used within the marketplace: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
The electric lift truck is typically used indoors away from the elements. These models are easier to utilize inside of a confined warehouse area. They produce no emissions that have to be vented or collected and are a lot quieter to operate.
On the other hand, internal combustion lift trucks are great in outdoor applications and are normally utilized in construction zones and external loading docks. These units are available with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as their internal batteries need a few hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an IC model, the next decision which is often faced is the fuel type which you would use to power your machine. There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common kinds of fuel are propane, diesel or gasoline lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the best lift truck for your company, examining the pros and cons of every type of machine is a great idea. For example, will a propane lift be right for your particular application or business? Make time to read on to be able to know more.
One of the best advantages propane forklifts have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a huge thing to consider as it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts require hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders need no cranes or lift to handle them and are fairly quick to swap out.
The ongoing expenses of a propane lift truck could be its biggest disadvantage. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these models as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Moreover, fuel expenses are typically higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is really important to consider the fact that fuel costs can really differ from place to place.