There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types that are mostly used within the industry: electric lift trucks and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
Usually, electric lift trucks are used away from the elements within indoor operations. These units are a lot easier to operate inside of a confined warehouse area. They are a lot quieter to utilize and produce no emissions that have to be collected or vented.
The IC lift truck on the other hand are superior in outdoor operations and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These models are offered with a lower upfront cost. In addition, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, because these need several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an IC model, the next decision that is usually faced is the fuel type that you would use to power your machine. There are several newer hybrid models available on the market, but the most popular kinds of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When deciding on the right forklift for your business, it is a good idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages which a particular kind of lift will bring to your business. For instance, would a propane lift be right for your specific application or company? Take time to read on in order to know more.
Among the best advantages propane forklifts have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a huge thing to take into account as it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders need no lift or crane to handle them and are quite quick to swap out.
The ongoing costs of a propane lift truck could be its biggest disadvantage. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these models than gasoline or diesel forklifts. Moreover, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane models than gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses can really differ from place to place.