There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types which are mostly used in the industry: electric forklifts and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric lift truck is usually utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to utilize inside of a tight warehouse area. They are much quieter to run and make no emissions that need to be collected or vented.
The internal combustion forklift however are superior in outdoor operations and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These models are available with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, because their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to select the internal combustion route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your machinery? There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your company, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of machinery is a good idea. For instance, would a propane lift be best for your particular company or application? Make time to read on to be able to know more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is amongst their best advantages. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill that is a great thing to take into account because it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders require no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly fast to swap out.
The biggest drawback of propane expenses would likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these models as compared to gasoline or diesel lift trucks. In addition, fuel costs are typically higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really vary from place to place.