The electric lift truck and the IC or internal combustions lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts used in the industry.
The electric lift truck is normally utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to utilize in a confined warehouse area. They make no emissions that have to be vented or collected and are much quieter to use.
The IC forklift on the other hand are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models are offered with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, since their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to select the IC route, the next decision you would face is what kind of fuel do you want to use to power your machinery? There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline lift trucks.
When deciding on the right lift truck for your company, it is a good idea to go over the pros and cons which a specific kind of lift would bring to your business. For instance, will a propane lift be right for your specific business or application? Take time to read on to be able to know more.
The immense flexibility of the propane lift truck is amongst their best advantages. They are the easiest and fastest units to refill which is a huge thing to take into account because it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require an on-site storage tank and pump system. Conversely, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The ongoing expenses of a propane lift truck can be its biggest disadvantage. The repair costs and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Moreover, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is really essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses can really vary from place to place.