There are 2 main forklift fuel types and varieties that are mainly used in the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric forklift is typically used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to operate inside of a confined warehouse area. They are much quieter to use and produce no emissions that have to be vented or collected.
On the other hand, internal combustion forklifts are superior in outdoor operations and are commonly utilized in external loading docks and construction zones. These units are available with a lower upfront cost. Furthermore, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, since their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to select the internal combustion route, the next decision you will face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your equipment? There are some newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most common fuel types are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best lift truck for your company, examining the pros and cons of every type of machine is a good idea. For instance, will a propane lift be right for your specific company or application? Take time to read on to be able to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is one of their best advantages. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill that is a huge thing to take into consideration since it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, 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 cranes or lift to handle them and are quite fast to swap out.
The ongoing costs of a propane lift truck may be its biggest disadvantage. The regular maintenance and repair expenses would be more frequent with these models as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane units than diesel or gas. It is very essential to consider the fact that fuel costs could greatly differ from place to place.