The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main fuel types for forklifts used within the industry.
Normally, electric lift trucks are utilized away from the elements within indoor applications. These models are a lot easier to operate inside of a confined warehouse area. They are much quieter to operate and make no emissions that have to be vented or collected.
On the other hand, IC lift trucks are superior in outdoor applications and are frequently used in construction zones and external loading docks. These models come with a less upfront cost. Additionally, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, as these need several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to pick the internal combustion route, the next decision you will face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are several newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common types of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your company, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of machine is a good idea. Like for instance, would a propane lift be best for your specific business or application? Take time to read on to be able to know more.
The immense flexibility of the propane lift truck is one of their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill which is a great thing to consider 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 require no cranes or lift to handle them and are fairly quick to swap out.
The biggest disadvantage of propane costs will likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. In addition, fuel costs are normally higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really differ from place to place.