Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
A forklift could function either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for use indoors and cost less to utilize. IC machinery are suitable for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a concern, the electric forklift is the best equipment you can use as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are quiet and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is lower. The downside is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when utilized outdoors they should be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally runs on one type of fuel, it may be a good choice to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same type of fuel. They could run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; then again, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces in warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have large tires for running on hard surfaces.