There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types which are mostly used in the industry: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric lift truck is typically used indoors away from the elements. These models are easier to use in a confined warehouse area. They are a lot quieter to use and produce no emissions that have to be collected or vented.
On the other hand, IC forklifts are great in outdoor applications and are commonly utilized in construction zones and external loading docks. These units are available with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, as these need a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to pick the IC route, the next decision you will face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your equipment? There are several newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common fuel types are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the best forklift for your company, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each type of equipment is a good idea. Like for example, will a propane lift be best for your particular business 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 models to refill which is a huge thing to take into consideration because it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts require hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders need no cranes or lift to handle them and are fairly quick to swap out.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses would likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline forklifts. In addition, fuel costs are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is very essential to consider the fact that fuel costs could really differ from place to place.