There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties that are mainly utilized in the industry: electric lift trucks and internal combustion or IC forklifts.

The electric forklift is normally utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse area. They are much quieter to use and make no emissions that have to be vented or collected.

The internal combustion lift truck on the other hand are great in outdoor operations and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These models come with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, since their internal batteries require several hours of recharging time.

If you have decided to select the internal combustion route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are several newer hybrid units on the market, but the most common fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.

When in the decision process to find the best forklift for your company, examining the pros and cons of each type of equipment is a good idea. For instance, would a propane lift be best for your particular business or application? Take time to read on to be able to know more.

Among the best advantages propane forklifts have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest units to refill that is a great thing to consider because it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and need no cranes or lift to handle them.

The biggest disadvantage of propane costs will likely be their ongoing costs. The repair expenses and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units as compared to gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Additionally, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models as composed to diesel or gas. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses could greatly vary from place to place.