Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
Forklifts can function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to use. IC machines are best for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a problem, the electric forklift is the suitable machinery you can utilize because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much less. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when used outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet generally runs on one type of fuel, it might be a wise choice to purchase an IC unit which utilizes the same kind of fuel. They could function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and cheaper to operate; however, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Most 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 designed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on hard surfaces.