Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
A forklift can be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor use and cost a lot less to operate. IC machines are suitable for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machine of choice for indoor applications where air quality is a problem. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. 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 less. The downside is that batteries need 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 used outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally operates on one type of fuel, it may be a wise choice to purchase an IC unit that uses the same fuel. They could run on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for tight 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 difficult surfaces.