There are actually 2 kinds of lift trucks, predicated whether or not they run on gas or electricity:
IC or Internal Combustion Lift trucks: The IC lift truck would run on fuels like gas, liquid propane, compressed natural gas or CNG or diesel. Gas powered units are great for outdoor use since they produce pollutants and gases that are harmful to employees and pedestrians. Models that run on gasoline are also great to be used in the rain and in bad weather conditions. These units could carry weights approximately 15,000 to 35,000 pounds. Due to the maintenance and fuel expenses, the gas powered units are a lot more expensive to use compared to the electric models, although, they cost a lot less up front than electric powered models. The liquid propane models are the right choice for safe use inside.
Electric Lift Trucks: Electric lift trucks take batteries which require regular charging. As these units do not burn any fuel, there are no emissions polluting the air with these vehicles. They are the best choice for indoor use and warehouses. Also, electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run than other units and they do not need any fuel storage units. Amongst the disadvantages of electric powered units is that they can not carry cargo more than 15,000 pounds and hence, have a slower acceleration than the units which utilize gasoline.
Lift trucks are particularly made to quickly and easily move heavy cargo with simplicity. As the case with nearly all kinds of machinery, unfortunately, lift truck mishaps do occur on a regular basis. There are specific safety rules which need to be followed in order to keep everyone safe. The most important problem is recruiting a qualified operator, who can show you a valid forklift license.
On the market these days, there are numerous different styles of forklifts available. Choosing which one is best for your particular requirements would be based on the type of environment your machine will have to operate in, for instance, outdoors or indoors or both and what types of loads that you have to transport. Once you understand your particular requirements, it will be really easy to match up to the best type of lift truck. When you know your requirements exactly you would be able to make a correct choice.
Another great way to get first hand experience on the various forklift units is the try leasing your forklift. This will also enable you to see all the possible choices available to you. This is a less expensive way to know if the machinery you have selected could keep up with you on the job site.