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 use indoors and cost much less to utilize. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machine of choice for indoor applications where the quality of air is a concern. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much lower. The disadvantage is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are usually used for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally operates on one type of fuel, it might be a wise choice to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They could function 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 operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces inside warehouses. 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 hard surfaces.