There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties which are mainly utilized in the marketplace: electric lift trucks and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
The electric lift truck is normally utilized indoors away from the elements. These models are easier to use inside of a confined warehouse area. They produce no emissions that need to be vented or collected and are much quieter to run.
The IC lift truck however are great in outdoor operations and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are offered with a less upfront cost. In addition, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, as these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an IC model, the next decision that is normally faced is the fuel type that you would utilize to power your equipment. There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are propane, diesel or gasoline lift trucks.
When deciding on the best lift truck for your business, it is a good idea to go over the pros and cons which a specific type of lift will bring to your business. Like for instance, would a propane lift be best for your specific application or company? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
Among the best advantages propane forklifts 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 drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like 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 quick to swap out and need no lift or crane 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 models as compared to gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Moreover, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel costs can really vary from place to place.