The electric forklift and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts used in the industry.
The electric forklift is typically utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to operate in a confined warehouse area. They are a lot quieter to use and make no emissions that need to be collected or vented.
On the other hand, IC lift trucks 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. Furthermore, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, as their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If your business does choose an IC model, the next decision which is normally faced is the fuel type that you would utilize to power your machinery. There are several newer hybrid units available on the market, but the most common fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your business, examining the pros and cons of every kind of machine is a great idea. Like for example, will a propane lift be right for your particular application or business? Take 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 fastest and easiest units to refill which is a huge thing to take into account since it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, diesel forklifts require an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts require hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift could be its biggest disadvantage. The regular maintenance and repair expenses will be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. In addition, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is really essential to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly vary from place to place.