Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
Forklifts could function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor application and cost less to use. IC machines are best for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the suitable machine you can utilize because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is lower. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor use, but when used outdoors they should be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are usually utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually operates on one type of fuel, it may be a good choice to buy an IC unit which uses 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; then again, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for limited spaces within warehouses. They are designed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have large tires for running on hard surfaces.