There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types which are mainly used in the industry: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Usually, electric forklifts are used away from the elements in indoor applications. These models are a lot easier to utilize in a confined warehouse area. They are much quieter to run and produce no emissions which have to be collected or vented.
The IC lift truck on the other hand are great in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units come with a lower upfront cost. Furthermore, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, since their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to pick the IC route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are some newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most common fuel types are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When deciding on the right forklift for your company, it is a good idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a specific type of lift will bring to your business. For instance, will a propane lift be best for your particular business or application? Take time to read on in order to find out more.
Amongst the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a great thing to consider as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair expenses will be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel forklifts. In addition, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane units as composed to gas or diesel. It is really important to consider the fact that fuel expenses can greatly differ from place to place.