There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties that are mostly used in the industry: electric forklifts and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric forklift is usually used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse area. They are much quieter to run and make no emissions that have to be collected or vented.
The internal combustion lift truck however are superior in outdoor operations and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models come with a lower upfront cost. In addition, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, because these need a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your company does choose an internal combustion model, the next decision that is usually faced is the fuel type which you will utilize to power your machinery. There are several newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most common types of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When choosing the best forklift for your company, it is a good idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a specific kind of lift will bring to your business. For example, will a propane lift be right for your specific company or application? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is among their best advantages. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a great thing to take into consideration as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require an on-site storage tank and pump system. Conversely, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane costs will likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. In addition, fuel costs are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is very vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses can greatly differ from place to place.