There are two basic types of lift trucks, units which run on gas and those which run on electricity:
Internal Combustion or IC Lift trucks: The IC Lift Trucks run on gas, liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG or diesel. The gas powered units are made to be used outside since they emit pollutants and gases that could be dangerous if inhaled. Gas models are also suitable for use in bad weather conditions and in the rain. These models can lift weights roughly 15,000 to 35,000 pounds. Due to the maintenance and fuel costs, the gas powered units are more costly to use compared to units that run on electricity, however, they cost less up front compared to electric powered units. The liquid propane models are the right choice to be used in indoor applications.
Electric Forklifts: Electric lift trucks take batteries which require regular charging. Because these units do not burn any fuel, there are no emissions polluting the air with these vehicles. They are the right choice for warehouses and indoor use. Also, lift trucks that run on electricity are much quieter to run compared to other units and they do not need any fuel storage units. Among the disadvantages of the electric models is that they can not carry loads more than 15,000 pounds and therefore, have a slower acceleration than the units that utilize gasoline.
Lift trucks are specially made to quickly and easily move heavy loads with simplicity. As the case with most types of machines, unfortunately, lift truck accidents do occur on a regular basis. There are some safety regulations which must be followed so as to keep everybody safe. The most essential problem is recruiting a qualified operator, who could show you a valid forklift license.
On the market these days, there are numerous different kinds of forklifts available. Choosing which one is right for your particular requirements will be based on the type of environment your machine would need to operate in, like for example, indoors or outdoors or both and what kinds of loads that you need to transport. Once you understand your specific needs, it will be really easy to match up to the right kind of lift truck. When you understand all your needs exactly you could make an accurate choice.
Leasing is one more good way to try out different models if you want to try out different features and see what kind of options are available. This is a less expensive way to know if the type of machinery you have in mind could keep up with you on the job site.