There are 2 main forklift fuel types and varieties which are mostly utilized in the industry: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
Normally, electric forklifts are utilized away from the elements within indoor operations. These models are a lot easier to use inside of a confined warehouse area. They make no emissions which need to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to operate.
The IC forklift on the other hand are superior in outdoor operations and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are available with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, since these require several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to select the internal combustion route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your machine? There are some newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your company, examining the advantages and disadvantages of every type of machinery is a good idea. For example, would a propane lift be right for your particular company or application? Take time to read on to be able to find out more.
One of the best advantages propane forklifts have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill which is a great thing to take into account since it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders need no lift or crane to handle them and are quite fast to swap out.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift may be its biggest disadvantage. The repair expenses and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel costs are normally higher on propane units as composed to gas or diesel. It is really important to consider the fact that fuel costs could really vary from place to place.