The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts used within the industry.
Typically, electric forklifts are used away from the elements within indoor applications. These units are a lot easier to use inside of a tight warehouse area. They are much quieter to run and make no emissions which need to be vented or collected.
The internal combustion lift truck on the other hand are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units come with a lower upfront cost. Furthermore, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, as these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to choose the IC route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your equipment? There are several newer hybrid units on the market, but the most common 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 every kind of machinery is a good idea. For example, would a propane lift be best for your specific application or company? Take time to read on in order to find out more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill which is a great thing to take into consideration because it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts require hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders require no lift or crane to handle them and are quite fast to swap out.
The ongoing expenses of a propane lift truck may be its biggest drawback. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Additionally, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane units than diesel or gas. It is important to consider the fact that fuel costs could really differ from place to place.