Basic Kinds of Fuels Used for Forklifts
In industrial, construction and distribution settings, powered lift trucks or forklifts are commonly used to perform many tasks. These heavy-duty equipment are designed to be reliable and tough so they could move heavy items in all different kinds of environments and conditions. Forklifts are powered by many types of fuels and thus could adapt to a lot of different work settings.
Electricity
The electric models generate no emissions and reliable and quiet. These units could operate on industrial-strength large batteries that are made to be able to be successfully recharged approximately one thousand five hundred times throughout their functional lifespan. As electric forklifts generate no exhaust fumes, it is usually the machine of choice and necessity in areas that have inadequate ventilation. These forklifts need a charging station somewhere on the premises which is equipped with an eyewash station and emergency acid spill kit because of the batteries. For safety reasons, the charging area must be well ventilated.
Propane
The modern forklift normally utilizes liquid propane. Propane provides various benefits over diesel and electric models. Like for instance, propane is normally cheaper than electricity. While the battery is being recharged, there is no need to remove the forklift from service.
Moreover, compared to diesel powered models, propane units provide a much cleaner operation. In most cases, a propane forklift is refueled by simply changing out the propane tank which is empty with a new full one. Usually, an off-site supplier will re-fill the tanks. This ensures a safe, easy and fast re-fueling process.
Gasoline and Diesel
Because forklifts that utilize diesel or gasoline 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 propane or electric models. Re-fueling needs a fuel supply on site which conforms to strict health and safety codes. Gas and diesel models are mainly utilized on rough terrain in outdoor applications, such as on construction sites or in lumber yard environments.