There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types that are mostly utilized in the industry: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Usually, electric lift trucks are utilized away from the elements in indoor applications. These models are easier to use in a tight warehouse space. They produce no emissions which have to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to run.
The internal combustion lift truck however are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These models come with a less upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, as their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If your business does choose an IC unit, the next decision that is normally faced is the fuel type that you will use to power your machinery. There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most popular fuel types are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When choosing the right lift truck for your company, it is a good idea to go over the pros and cons that a specific kind of lift would bring to your company. Like for instance, would a propane lift be best for your specific company or application? Take 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 easiest and fastest units to refill that is a great thing to take into account since it significantly minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts need hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders are quite fast to swap out and need no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane lift truck could be its biggest drawback. The regular maintenance and repair expenses would be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline forklifts. Moreover, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models than diesel or gas. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses could greatly differ from place to place.