When Indiana businesses, warehouses,
or docks are looking to a buy a new forklift, one thing they need to decide
early on is exactly what type of forklift they need. Disregarding
specialty forklifts like narrow-aisle lifts,
the most important quality of a forklift is the type of engine it has.
Each type comes with its own unique
advantages, but here we’ll focus on one in particular – propane forklifts.
Let’s take a look at how propane-powered forklifts can make your workplace more
efficient.
Propane Forklifts
Provide Long-lasting Power
Similar to other internal combustion (IC) engine forklifts,
propane forklifts are workhorses. Propane forklifts are able to handle heavy
loads and work on rough terrain and inclines better than their electric
counterparts. In addition, unlike electric forklifts, a propane forklift will
always run at full strength throughout its entire fuel cycle whereas electric
forklifts tend to slow down as the battery is drained.
Of note to efficiency-minded warehouse managers is propane
forklifts’ run time. Propane engines can usually run 8+ hours without a need
for refueling, easily outclassing both electric forklifts and gas and diesel
engines.
Propane Forklifts are Convenient and Efficient
Speaking of forklift run time, what happens when an electric
forklift runs out of juice? It has to spend several hours plugged in to
recharge, meaning it’s out of commission after just a few hours of work. As for
gas and diesel-fueled lifts, they can require extra equipment or a trip to a
fuel depot to get refueled.
Not so for propane lifts, in which a refuel can be done in just
3 minutes with a quick swap of a tank. Those extra fuel tanks are also easy to
store and refill easily, something that can’t be said for other IC engine fuel
containers.
Propane Is a Cleaner Fuel Source
When compared to other fuel sources like gas or diesel, propane
is far and away cleaner burning and “greener,” producing fewer emissions such
as CO2 and various hydrocarbons. So what does that mean for your workplace?
There are more benefits than you might think:
- Cleaner burning fuel makes propane forklifts one of the
few types that work great both indoors and outdoors, avoiding exhaust released
indoors without sacrificing the strength of an IC engine. - Burning cleaner means that there is a lower likelihood
of engine deposits that can gunk up your system and require more frequent
maintenance. - Green equipment can make your business qualify for
additional energy tax credits, netting you an additional return every year you
use it.
See More Benefits of Propane Lift Trucks
Even if you know the benefits of each type of forklift, choosing the
right one for your business isn’t an easy choice. Tynan Equipment Co. is
Indiana’s forklift authority, and our team is ready to help you find your
perfect material handling fit. Call us at
(317) 247-8474
to see how we can help.
