IC Lift Trucks
Internal combustion lift trucks are members of classes IV and V. Usually, they are offered in liquid propane, gas or diesel models. Mainly, the ICE or internal combustion engine units are used outdoors, since they could function in severe conditions and emit some emissions. However, propane-powered models, can be used indoors provided that proper ventilation is used. It is best to determine what kinds of environments you will be operating in and what particular requirements you need to use the forklift for, to be able to make certain that you choose the best model to meet all of your requirements.
Internal Combustion Engine Benefits
Some of the advantages of internal combustion engines include a lower initial purchase price, compared to a similar capacity electric truck. This can range anywhere from 20% to 40% lower. The Internal Combustion Engine models are fast and simple to refuel. This feature greatly reduces downtime as there is no need to recharge any batteries, as there is with electric units.
To the similarly equipped electric truck, internal combustion units do provide a higher performance capabilities with far heavier lift capacities than electric lift truck units. Over recent years, there have been many advancements regarding emissions technology and this has resulted in lower total emission levels. Internal combustion engine trucks remain popular with load sizes roughly 8000 lbs. and even much higher in specific applications like for instance ports, lumberyard settings and steel manufacturing facilities.
Internal Combustion Engine Drawbacks
The Internal Combustion models do suffer from some drawbacks such as a higher cost-per-hour to operate as compared to electric trucks, due to the excess needs for fuel. Also, these units normally create more noise compared to the electric units because they run louder. Internal Combustion Engine trucks also have fuel-storage requirements to take into account as well.