There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types that are mainly utilized in the marketplace: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
Typically, electric forklifts are used away from the elements within indoor operations. These models are a lot easier to use inside of a tight warehouse area. They are a lot quieter to utilize and produce no emissions that need to be vented or collected.
The internal combustion forklift however are great in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are offered with a less upfront cost. Additionally, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, since their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to choose the IC route, the next decision you will face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your machinery? There are several newer hybrid models offered on the market, but the most common fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When choosing the right forklift for your business, it is a great idea to go over the pros and cons which a specific type of lift will bring to your company. For example, will a propane lift be right for your particular 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 which is a great thing to take into consideration as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly fast to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair costs and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel forklifts. Moreover, fuel expenses are typically higher on propane models as composed to diesel or gas. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel costs could really differ from place to place.