Internal Combustion Lift Trucks
The IC forklift belongs in the class V and IV forklift classification. They can be liquid propane, gas or diesel models. Mostly, the ICE or internal combustion engine units are used outdoors, as they could operate in severe conditions and emit some emissions. Propane-powered units, on the other hand, can be used indoors as long as proper ventilation is utilized. It is better to know what particular requirements you need to utilize the forklift for and what types of environments you will be operating in, in order to ensure you pick the best unit to meet your needs.
Internal Combustion Engine Benefits
Some of the benefits of internal combustion engines comprise a lower initial purchase price, compared to a similar capacity electric truck. This could vary anywhere from 20% to 40% less. The ICE models are easy and fast to refuel. This feature really lessens downtime as there is no requirement to recharge any batteries, as there is with electric models.
To the similarly equipped electric truck, internal combustion units do provide a higher performance capabilities with far heavier lift capacities than electric lift truck units. Over recent years, there have been many changes regarding emissions technology and this has resulted in lesser total emission levels. Internal combustion engine trucks remain popular with load sizes approximately 8,000 pounds and even much higher in specific operations like ports, lumberyard settings and steel manufacturing facilities.
ICE Disadvantages
There are a few drawbacks to the Internal Combustion Engine units. For example, they use a higher cost-per-hour to operate as compared to electric trucks. This is mostly due to maintenance costs and fuel. Furthermore, these units normally create more noise compared to the electric models because they run louder. Internal Combustion Engine trucks also have fuel-storage requirements to take into consideration too.