Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
A forklift could be powered either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to operate. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the ideal machine you can utilize 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 per-hour operating cost of electric models is less. The downside is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are generally used for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally operates on one type of fuel, it may be a good choice to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same type of fuel. They can function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces within 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.