There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties that are mostly used within the industry: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Normally, electric lift trucks are used away from the elements within indoor applications. These models are easier to operate in a tight warehouse space. They produce no emissions which need to be vented or collected and are much quieter to operate.
The IC forklift on the other hand are great in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are offered with a lower upfront cost. In addition, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, as these need several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to pick the IC route, the next decision you will face is what kind of fuel do you want to utilize to power your machinery? There are some newer hybrid models available on the market, but the most common fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your business, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each type of machine is a great idea. For example, would a propane lift be best for your specific application or company? Make time to read on in order to know more.
Amongst the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest units to refill which is a great thing to take into consideration as it significantly minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks need a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and require no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane costs will likely be their ongoing expenses. The regular maintenance and repair expenses will be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Additionally, fuel costs are usually higher on propane units as composed to gas or diesel. It is important to consider the fact that fuel costs can really vary from place to place.