Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
Forklifts could function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor application and cost much less to operate. IC machinery are suitable for outdoor application 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 concern. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is a lot less. 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 to indoor use, but when utilized outdoors they must be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually operates on one type of fuel, it might be a good choice to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They can run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
Inside warehouses where there are tight spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on difficult surfaces.