Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
A forklift could function either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor use and cost much less to use. IC machines are best for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machinery of choice for indoor applications where air quality is a problem. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is less. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when used outdoors they must be utilized cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually runs on one type of fuel, it might be a wise choice to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same type of fuel. They can function on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; however, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces within warehouses. They are designed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have large tires for running on difficult surfaces.