There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types that are mainly used in the industry: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
Normally, electric forklifts are used away from the elements within indoor operations. These units are a lot easier to operate in a tight warehouse area. They are a lot quieter to utilize and make no emissions which need to be vented or collected.
The internal combustion forklift on the other hand are great in outdoor operations and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These models come with a less upfront cost. In addition, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, because their internal batteries require several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to select the internal combustion route, the next decision you will face is what kind of fuel do you want to use to power your machine? There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common kinds of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When deciding on the best forklift for your company, it is a great idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a specific type of lift would bring to your business. For example, would a propane lift be best for your particular business or application? Take time to read on in order to find out more.
Amongst the best advantages propane forklifts have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a huge thing to consider since it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders need no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly fast to swap out.
The biggest drawback of propane costs will likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these models as compared to diesel or gasoline forklifts. Additionally, fuel expenses are typically higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel costs could really differ from place to place.