IC Lift Trucks
IC lift trucks are members of classes IV and V. Normally, they are offered in gas, diesel or liquid propane units. Mostly, the ICE or internal combustion engine units are used outdoors, because they are able to operate in inclement weather conditions and produce some emissions. Propane-powered units, on the other hand, could be used indoors so long as proper ventilation is utilized. It is best to determine what specific requirements you have to use the forklift for and what kinds of settings you will be working in, in order to make certain that you choose the right unit which would suit your needs.
Internal Combustion Engine Benefits
Several of the advantages of internal combustion engines consist of a lower initial purchase price, compared to a similar capacity electric truck. This can vary anywhere from 20% to 40% less. The Internal Combustion Engine units are fast and easy to refuel. This feature greatly lessens downtime as there is no need to recharge any batteries, like there is with electric models.
To the similarly equipped electric truck, IC units do provide a higher performance capabilities with far heavier lift capacities than electric lift truck units. Over recent years, there have been many changes regarding emissions technology and this has resulted in lower total levels of emission. ICE trucks remain popular with load sizes about 8,000 pounds and even a lot higher in particular applications like steel manufacturing facilities, ports and lumberyard settings.
ICE Drawbacks
The IC units do suffer from a few drawbacks such as a higher cost-per-hour to operate as compared to electric trucks, due to the excess needs for fuel. Furthermore, these units usually produce more noise compared to the electric models as they run louder. ICE trucks also have fuel-storage requirements to take into account too.