Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
Forklifts could function one of two ways, either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to use. IC equipment are suitable for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the ideal machinery you could use because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is less. The disadvantage 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 for use indoors, but when used outdoors they should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet generally operates on one type of fuel, it may be a good idea to purchase an IC unit that uses the same type of fuel. They can function on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the least expensive. 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. Most IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for limited spaces in warehouses. They are designed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on difficult surfaces.