There are 2 types of lift trucks, predicated whether or not they run on electricity or gas:
IC or Internal Combustion Forklifts: The Internal Combustion lift truck will run on fuels like gas, liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG or diesel. Gas powered units are great for outdoor use as they produce gases and pollutants that are harmful to workers and pedestrians. Gas units are also great for application in the rain and in bad weather conditions. These models can carry weights approximately 15,000 to 35,000 pounds. Due to the maintenance and fuel expenses, units that run on gas are much more costly to utilize compared to units which run on electricity, however, they cost a lot less up front compared to electric powered models. Units that run on liquid propane are the best choice to be used inside.
Electric Lift Trucks: The electric forklift models are powered by really big batteries which should be recharged. The equipments do not create any polluting air emissions as these models do not burn any fuel. They are the right choice for warehouses and indoor use. In addition, lift trucks that run on electricity do not need any fuel storage units and they are much quieter to run compared to other units. Among the disadvantages of electric powered models is that they are unable to carry cargo over 15,000 pounds and therefore, have a slower acceleration than gasoline powered units.
Lift trucks are specially made to easily and quickly move heavy cargo with simplicity. As the case with nearly all types of machinery, unfortunately, forklift mishaps do happen regularly. There are some safety rules which should be followed so as to keep everyone safe. The most important issue is recruiting a qualified operator, who can show you a valid forklift license.
On the market nowadays, there are numerous different styles of lift trucks available. Deciding which one is best for your particular requirements will be based on the type of environment your equipment would have to operate in, like for instance, indoors or outdoors or both and what types of loads that you have to transport. When you understand your particular needs, it would be easy to match up to the right type of forklift. When you know all your requirements exactly you could make a correct decision.
Renting is one more good way to check out various models if you want to check out various features and see what type of choices are available. This is a cheaper way to know if the type of equipment you have in mind can keep up with you on the job location.