IC Lift Trucks
Internal combustion lift trucks are members of classes V and IV. Normally, they are offered in gas, diesel or liquid propane models. Mostly, the ICE or also referred to as internal combustion engine units are used outside, because they can function in inclement weather conditions and produce some emissions. Propane-powered units, on the other hand, can be used indoors so long as proper ventilation is used. It is best to know what specific requirements you have to use the forklift for and what types of settings you would be operating in, in order to ensure you select the right unit which would meet all your needs.
Internal Combustion Engine Benefits
Some of the advantages of ICE include 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 very easy and fast to refuel. This feature greatly lessens downtime since there is no requirement to recharge any batteries, like there is with electric models.
To the similarly equipped electric truck, internal combustion units do provide a higher performance capabilities with far heavier lift capacities compared to electric lift truck units. Over recent years, there have been numerous changes regarding emissions technology and this has resulted in lower total emission levels. Internal combustion engine trucks remain popular with load sizes roughly 8,000 pounds and even much higher in specific applications such as ports, lumberyard settings and steel manufacturing facilities.
ICE Drawbacks
There are a few disadvantages to the Internal Combustion Engine units. Like for example, they utilize a higher cost-per-hour to operate as compared to electric trucks. This is mostly because of fuel and maintenance costs. Furthermore, these models usually produce more noise than the electric units because they run louder. ICE trucks also have fuel-storage requirements to consider as well.