Internal Combustion Lift Trucks
The IC forklift belongs within the class IV and V forklift classification. They can be diesel, liquid propane or gas units. Primarily, the ICE or also known as internal combustion engine models are used outdoors, as they can operate in severe climate and emit some emissions. Propane-powered models, on the other hand, could be utilized indoors provided that proper ventilation is utilized. It is best to know what types of environments you will be operating in and what particular requirements you need to use the forklift for, to be able to ensure you select the right unit to meet all of your requirements.
Internal Combustion Engine Benefits
Some of the advantages of ICE comprise a lower initial purchase price, compared to a similar capacity electric truck. This can vary anywhere from 20% to 40% less. The ICE units are easy and fast to refuel. This feature really reduces downtime because there is no requirement to recharge any batteries, as there is with electric units.
To the similarly equipped electric truck, IC units do provide a higher performance capabilities with far heavier lift capacities compared to electric lift truck models. Over recent years, there have been numerous advancements regarding emissions technology and this has resulted in lesser total emission levels. ICE trucks remain popular with load sizes about 8000 lbs. and even a lot higher in certain applications like lumberyard settings, steel manufacturing facilities and ports.
ICE Disadvantages
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. What's more, these units normally create more noise than the electric units since they run louder. Internal Combustion Engine trucks also have fuel-storage requirements to take into consideration as well.