Basic Fuel Types of Forklifts
In distribution, industrial and construction settings, powered lift trucks or forklifts are normally used to perform numerous tasks. These heavy-duty equipment are intended to be dependable and tough so they can move heavy objects in all different kinds of conditions and environments. Forklifts could run on numerous types of fuels and therefore able to adapt to many different work settings.
Electricity
The electric models produce 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 around 1500 times in their functional lifespan. As electric forklifts produce no exhaust fumes, it is usually the machine of choice and necessity in areas that have limited ventilation. These forklifts need a charging station somewhere on the premises which is equipped with an emergency acid spill kit and eyewash station due to the batteries. For safety reasons, the charging section has to be ventilated well.
Propane
Liquid propane is a common source of power for the modern forklift. Propane provides different benefits over electric and diesel models. For instance, propane normally costs less compared to electricity. When recharging the battery, there is no need to remove the lift truck from service.
Moreover, compared to diesel powered models, propane units provide a much cleaner operation. In most cases, a propane forklift can be refueled by simply changing out the propane tank that is empty with a new one that is full. Typically, an off-site supplier will re-fill the tanks. This guarantees a fast, safe and easy re-fueling procedure.
Gasoline and Diesel
Since forklifts which use gasoline or diesel produce smelly exhaust, they need more maintenance. They have fairly high fuel costs as well. Since they have a much longer and useful lifespan, they are quite reliable than propane or electric models. Re-fueling needs a fuel supply on site which conforms to strict health and safety codes. Diesel and gas models are mostly used in outdoor applications on rough terrain, like on construction sites or in lumber yard environments.