Basic Fuel Types of Forklifts
Forklifts, also called powered lift trucks, are used to carry out many jobs in distribution, industrial and construction settings. These heavy-duty equipment are designed to be tough and reliable so they are capable of moving heavy objects in all different types of environments and conditions. Forklifts are powered by many types of fuels and thus could adapt to lots of different work settings.
Electricity
The electric models generate no emissions and reliable and quiet. These units are powered by industrial-strength large batteries which are made to be able to be successfully recharged about one thousand five hundred times in their useful lifespan. Since electric forklifts produce no exhaust fumes, it is oftentimes the machinery of choice and necessity in places which have limited ventilation. These forklifts require a charging place somewhere on the premises which is equipped with an eyewash station and emergency acid spill kit due to the batteries. For safety reasons, the charging section has to be well ventilated.
Propane
Liquid propane is a common power source for the modern lift truck. Propane provides different benefits over electric and diesel models. For instance, propane is usually cheaper than electricity. When recharging the battery, there is no need to remove the forklift from service.
Furthermore, compared to diesel powered models, propane units provide a much cleaner operation. In the majority of instances, a propane forklift is refueled by just changing out the empty propane tank with a new full one. Typically, an off-site supplier would re-fill the tanks. This guarantees a safe, easy and fast re-fueling process.
Diesel and Gasoline
As forklifts which use gasoline or diesel produce smelly exhaust, they require more maintenance. They have fairly high fuel costs too. Because they have a useful and much longer lifespan, they are rather reliable compared to electric or propane models. Re-fueling needs a fuel supply on site that conforms to strict safety and health codes. Gas and diesel models are mostly utilized in outdoor applications on rough terrain, like for example in lumber yard environments or on construction sites.