Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor use and cost less to utilize. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors 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 quiet and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is much 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 for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually operates on one kind of fuel, it might be a good choice to buy an IC unit that uses the same kind of fuel. They could run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; nevertheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
In 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.