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 normally used indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to use in a tight warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to operate and make no emissions which need to be vented or collected.
The internal combustion forklift however are great in outdoor operations and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are available with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, because these require several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an IC unit, the next decision that is normally faced is the fuel type which you will use to power your machine. There are several newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your company, examining the pros and cons of every kind of equipment is a good idea. For instance, will a propane lift be best for your particular application or company? Take time to read on in order to know more.
Amongst the best advantages propane forklifts have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a great thing to consider since it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks need an on-site storage tank and pump system. Conversely, propane cylinders require no lift or crane to handle them and are quite quick to swap out.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair expenses and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline forklifts. Furthermore, fuel costs are typically higher on propane units as composed to diesel or gas. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel costs could really vary from place to place.