There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types that are mostly used within the marketplace: electric lift trucks and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
The electric lift truck is typically used indoors away from the elements. These models are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse space. They produce no emissions which have to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to operate.
However, IC forklifts are great in outdoor applications and are usually utilized in construction zones and external loading docks. These models are available with a less upfront cost. Furthermore, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, because these need several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your company does choose an IC unit, the next decision that is normally faced is the fuel type that you will use to power your machine. There are some newer hybrid units available on the market, but the most common fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your business, examining the pros and cons of each kind of machine is a great idea. Like for example, would a propane lift be right for your specific company or application? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
One of the best advantages propane forklifts have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill which is a huge thing to take into consideration as it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank. On the other hand, propane cylinders require no cranes or lift to handle them and are fairly fast to swap out.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses would likely be their ongoing expenses. The regular maintenance and repair expenses will be more frequent with these models than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Moreover, fuel costs are normally higher on propane models than diesel or gas. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses can really differ from place to place.