Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor application and cost less to use. IC equipment are best for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the equipment 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 buy than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is less. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor use, but when utilized outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a good idea to buy an IC unit which uses the same fuel. They could function on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for tight spaces within warehouses. They are designed 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.