Basic Fuel Types of Forklifts
Forklifts are powered lift trucks that are utilized in various kinds of industries to move heavy materials and products. Forklifts are durable and dependable machines which are essential tools in warehouse and construction settings. Lift truck units differ depending on the type of work setting and the kind of fuel that is used to power the lift truck.
Electricity
Electric powered lift trucks are great for indoor settings, or in locations with limited ventilation as they produce no exhaust fumes. They are designed with industrial strength batteries. Since the electric forklift batteries require charging, the worksite would require a charging station. The batteries are tough and could be re-charged up to 1,500 times before they need to be replaced. The charging station should be situated in a ventilated area and include an emergency eyewash station and an acid spill kit.
Propane
Forklifts powered by liquid propane have some benefits over electric and diesel powered machinery making them quite common in warehouse and industrial settings. Propane engines are much cleaner than diesel-powered units. There is no down time needed to recharge an industrial battery, and the cost of electricity is more compared to the cost of propane. A forklift propane tank can be refueled quickly and easily by changing out the empty tank with a full tank. Usually an off-site supplier refills the empty tank, making refueling very safe and efficient.
Diesel and Gasoline
For outdoor applications and rough terrain, the gas and diesel forklifts are the machines of choice. These machinery are quite common on construction sites and in lumber yards. Their disadvantages include fairly high fuel costs, fairly high maintenance requirements and odorous exhaust. Their benefits comprise a longer lifespan compared to other units and dependability in tough conditions. Gasoline and diesel units would have to be refueled at a supply station on site which meets safety and health regulations.