There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types that are mainly utilized in the industry: electric forklifts and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Normally, electric lift trucks are used away from the elements within indoor applications. These units are easier to use inside of a tight warehouse area. They make no emissions which have to be collected or vented and are much quieter to run.
The IC lift truck on the other hand are great in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are available with a less upfront cost. In addition, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as these require several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an internal combustion model, the next decision which is often faced is the fuel type which you would utilize to power your machinery. There are several newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the best forklift for your company, examining the pros and cons of each type of machinery is a great idea. Like for example, will a propane lift be right for your particular company or application? Take time to read on in order to know more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is one of their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a huge thing to consider because it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks need an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders need no cranes or lift to handle them and are quite quick to swap out.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing costs. The repair expenses and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline forklifts. Furthermore, fuel costs are usually higher on propane models than diesel or gas. It is very vital to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly vary from place to place.