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