The electric forklift and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts used in the industry.
Usually, electric lift trucks are utilized away from the elements in indoor applications. These models are easier to utilize inside of a tight warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to use and produce no emissions that have to be vented or collected.
On the other hand, IC forklifts are superior in outdoor operations and are usually used in external loading docks and construction zones. These models are available with a less upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, because their internal batteries require several hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an IC unit, the next decision which is often faced is the fuel type which you will use to power your equipment. There are several newer hybrid models offered on the market, but the most popular kinds of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the best forklift for your company, examining the pros and cons of each kind of machinery is a good idea. For instance, will a propane lift be right for your specific company or application? Take time to read on in order to know more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a great thing to take into account because it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. On the other hand, propane cylinders need no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly quick to swap out.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses would likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair costs would be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline forklifts. In addition, fuel costs are normally higher on propane units as composed to gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses can greatly differ from place to place.