There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types that are mainly used in the industry: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
Typically, electric lift trucks are used away from the elements within indoor operations. These units are a lot easier to use inside of a tight warehouse area. They make no emissions that have to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to use.
The IC forklift however are great in outdoor operations and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models come with a lower upfront cost. In addition, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, as their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to select the IC route, the next decision you will face is what kind of fuel do you want to use to power your equipment? There are several newer hybrid units available on the market, but the most popular fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best lift truck for your business, examining the pros and cons of every kind of equipment is a good idea. For instance, will a propane lift be best for your specific company or application? Take time to read on to be able to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane lift truck is one of their best advantages. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a great thing to consider as it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair costs would be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel forklifts. Furthermore, fuel costs are normally higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel costs could greatly vary from place to place.