Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift could function either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor application and cost less to operate. IC equipment are best for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where the quality of air is a problem, the electric forklift is the best equipment you can use since it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is lower. The disadvantage 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 for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are commonly used for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally operates on one type of fuel, it might be a good choice to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same fuel. They can function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Types 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 hard surfaces.