The electric forklift and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main types of fuel for forklifts utilized within the industry.
Usually, electric forklifts are utilized away from the elements within indoor operations. These units are easier to operate inside of a tight warehouse area. They produce no emissions which have to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to run.
On the other hand, IC lift trucks are superior in outdoor applications and are frequently used in construction zones and external loading docks. These models come with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, because these need several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to select the internal combustion route, the next decision you will face is what kind of fuel do you want to utilize to power your machinery? There are several newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most common types of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When deciding on the best forklift for your business, it is a good idea to go over the pros and cons that a particular type of lift would bring to your company. Like for instance, will a propane lift be best for your particular application or company? Take time to read on in order to know more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is amongst their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a great thing to take into consideration because it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders need no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly quick to swap out.
The biggest disadvantage of propane costs would likely be their ongoing expenses. The regular maintenance and repair expenses would be more frequent with these units as compared to gasoline or diesel lift trucks. In addition, fuel costs are usually higher on propane units than diesel or gas. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel costs could really differ from place to place.