Basic Fuel Types of Forklifts
Forklifts, also referred to as powered lift trucks, are utilized to perform numerous jobs in distribution, industrial and construction environments. These heavy-duty machinery are designed to be tough and reliable so they are capable of transporting heavy objects in all different kinds of environments and conditions. Forklifts can operate on numerous kinds of fuels and therefore able to 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 that are made to be able to be successfully recharged approximately one thousand five hundred times throughout their functional lifespan. Because electric forklifts create no exhaust fumes, it is usually the machine of choice and necessity in places which have inadequate ventilation. These forklifts require a charging station anywhere on the premises which is equipped with an emergency acid spill kit and eyewash station because of the batteries. For safety reasons, the charging area should be well ventilated.
Propane
The modern forklift normally utilizes liquid propane. Propane offers various advantages over electric and diesel models. For example, propane normally costs less than electricity. While recharging the battery, there is no need to remove the lift truck from service.
Propane units also provide a much cleaner operation compared to forklifts which are powered by diesel. In the majority of instances, a propane forklift could be refueled by simply changing out the propane tank which is empty with a new one that is full. Typically, an off-site supplier will re-fill the tanks. This ensures a fast, safe and easy re-fueling procedure.
Diesel and Gasoline
Since forklifts which utilize diesel or gasoline produce smelly exhaust, they require more maintenance. They have fairly high fuel costs too. Because they have a much longer and useful lifespan, they are quite dependable compared to electric or propane models. Re-fueling requires a fuel supply on site that conforms to strict health and safety codes. Gas and diesel models are mostly utilized on rough terrain in outdoor applications, like for example on construction sites or in lumber yard environments.