Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift can function either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are best for use indoors and cost less to operate. IC equipment are best for outdoor use and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machinery 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 compared to IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much lower. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing 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 have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are generally utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually runs on one type of fuel, it might be a good choice to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same type of fuel. They could run on gas, propane or diesel. 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. Most 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 hard surfaces.