There are 2 main forklift fuel types and varieties that are mainly utilized in the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Normally, electric forklifts are used away from the elements within indoor operations. These models are easier to operate in a tight warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to use and make no emissions that need to be collected or vented.
The IC forklift on the other hand are great in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are offered with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, since these need several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to choose the IC route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your machine? There are several newer hybrid units available on the market, but the most popular fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best forklift for your company, examining the pros and cons of every kind of machine is a good idea. Like for instance, would a propane lift be best for your particular company or application? Make time to read on to be able to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is one of their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a great thing to consider because it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The ongoing expenses of a propane forklift could be its biggest drawback. The repair costs and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Additionally, fuel costs are usually higher on propane models than diesel or gas. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really differ from place to place.