The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main fuel types for forklifts used within the industry.
Typically, electric lift trucks are utilized away from the elements in indoor applications. These units are easier to use inside of a confined warehouse area. They are a lot quieter to utilize and produce no emissions which need to be vented or collected.
However, IC forklifts are great in outdoor operations and are frequently utilized in construction zones and external loading docks. These units come with a lower upfront cost. In addition, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, since these need several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to choose the IC route, the next decision you will face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your machine? There are some 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 best lift truck for your business, examining the pros and cons of every kind of equipment is a good idea. Like for instance, will a propane lift be right for your particular application or business? Take time to read on to be able to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is among their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a great thing to consider as it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Additionally, fuel expenses are typically higher on propane models as composed to diesel or gas. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel costs can really differ from place to place.