There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties that are mostly used in the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric lift truck is typically utilized indoors away from the elements. These models are easier to operate in a confined warehouse area. They are much quieter to operate and produce no emissions that need to be collected or vented.
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 available with a less upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, because their internal batteries require several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to select the IC route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most popular fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When deciding on the right forklift for your business, it is a good idea to go over the pros and cons that a specific type of lift would bring to your company. For example, will a propane lift be right for your particular application or business? Make time to read on to be able to know more.
One of the best advantages propane forklifts have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest units to refill which is a great thing to consider since it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts need hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders require no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly fast to swap out.
The biggest disadvantage of propane costs will likely be their ongoing costs. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline forklifts. Additionally, fuel costs are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly differ from place to place.