There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types which are mainly utilized within the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric forklift is usually used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to run and produce no emissions which have to be collected or vented.
On the other hand, IC lift trucks are superior in outdoor operations and are usually used in construction zones and external loading docks. These models come with a less upfront cost. In addition, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, since their internal batteries require several hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an internal combustion unit, the next decision which is usually faced is the fuel type which you will utilize to power your machinery. There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common types of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When deciding on the best lift truck for your business, it is a great idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a particular type of lift will bring to your company. Like for example, will a propane lift be right for your particular application or company? Make time to read on in order to know more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill which is a great thing to take into consideration as it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders are quite fast to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane costs will likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair expenses will be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Moreover, fuel costs are usually higher on propane units as composed to gas or diesel. It is important to consider the fact that fuel expenses can really vary from place to place.