There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties that are mostly used within the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Normally, electric lift trucks are used away from the elements within indoor operations. These models are easier to operate inside of a tight warehouse space. They produce no emissions that have to be collected or vented and are much quieter to operate.
On the other hand, internal combustion forklifts are superior in outdoor applications and are commonly used in external loading docks and construction zones. These units are offered with a less upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, as these need a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to pick the internal combustion route, the next decision you would face is what kind of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are several newer hybrid models offered on the market, but the most popular fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your company, examining the pros and cons of each kind of machinery is a great idea. For example, will a propane lift be best for your particular application or business? Take time to read on to be able to know more.
The immense flexibility of the propane lift truck is one of their best advantages. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill that is a great thing to take into account as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing expenses of a propane lift truck could be its biggest drawback. The regular maintenance and repair expenses will be more frequent with these models as compared to diesel or gasoline forklifts. Furthermore, fuel costs are normally higher on propane units as composed to gas or diesel. It is really important to consider the fact that fuel costs can really vary from place to place.