There are two basic types of lift trucks, units that run on gas and models that run on electricity:
Internal Combustion Forklifts: The IC Forklifts run on gas, liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG or diesel. The gas powered units are meant to be used outdoors as they release gases and pollutants that could be harmful if inhaled. Gas units are also great to be used in the rain and in bad weather. These units could carry weights around 15,000 to 35,000 pounds. Due to the maintenance and fuel expenses, units that run on gas are much more expensive to use than models that run on electricity, however, they cost less up front than the electric models. The liquid propane models are the best choice to be used in indoor applications.
Electric Forklifts: Electric lift trucks take batteries that require regular charging. Since these models do not burn any fuel, there are no emissions polluting the air with these machinery. They are the right choice for warehouses and indoor applications. As well, electric lift trucks are much quieter to run than other units and they do not require any fuel storage units. Among the downsides of the electric units is that they are unable to carry loads more than 15,000 pounds and thus, have a slower acceleration compared to gasoline powered units.
Lift trucks are specifically designed to easily and quickly transport heavy loads with simplicity. As the case with most kinds of machines, unfortunately, forklift mishaps do occur on a regular basis. There are specific safety rules that should be followed in order to keep everybody safe. The most important concern is recruiting a qualified operator, who would be able to show you a valid forklift license.
On the market nowadays, there are numerous different types of forklifts available. Deciding which one is right for your specific needs will be based on the types of loads that you need to transport, what kind of environment your machine would need to operate in, like for example, indoors or outdoors or both. Once you know your particular needs, it would be easy to match up to the best type of lift truck. When you know your needs exactly you can make the right choice.
Leasing is one more good way to try out various units if you want to try out different features and see what type of options are available. This is a cheaper way to determine if the equipment you have chosen can keep up with you on the job location.