The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main fuel types for forklifts utilized in the industry.
The electric forklift is typically used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to operate inside of a confined warehouse space. They make no emissions which have to be vented or collected and are a lot quieter to operate.
However, IC lift trucks are superior in outdoor applications and are frequently used in external loading docks and construction zones. These units are offered with a less upfront cost. Furthermore, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, since these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to choose the internal combustion route, the next decision you will face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best lift truck for your company, examining the pros and cons of each type of equipment is a great idea. For example, will a propane lift be right for your specific company or application? Make time to read on in order to know more.
Among the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a huge thing to consider as it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks need an on-site storage tank and pump system. Conversely, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The ongoing expenses of a propane lift truck can be its biggest disadvantage. The regular maintenance and repair expenses would be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses can really vary from place to place.