There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties which are mostly used within the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric forklift is usually utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to utilize inside of a confined warehouse space. They make no emissions which need to be collected or vented and are much quieter to use.
The IC forklift however are great in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are available with a less upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, because their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an IC unit, the next decision that is normally faced is the fuel type that you would use to power your machine. There are some newer hybrid units on the market, but the most common kinds of fuel are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When deciding on the best forklift for your business, it is a good idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a specific type of lift would bring to your company. For instance, would a propane lift be right for your specific company or application? Take 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 take into consideration since it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, diesel forklifts require an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts need hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders need no lift or crane to handle them and are quite quick to swap out.
The biggest drawback of propane costs would likely be their ongoing costs. The repair costs and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units as compared to gasoline or diesel forklifts. Moreover, fuel costs are usually higher on propane units than diesel or gas. It is important to consider the fact that fuel costs can really vary from place to place.