Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
A forklift can be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for use indoors and cost less to operate. IC machinery are best for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the best machine you could use because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is lower. The downside is that batteries need 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 application, but when utilized outdoors they should be utilized cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are generally used for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally runs on one kind of fuel, it may be a wise idea to buy an IC unit that uses the same type of fuel. They can function on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. 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. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
Within warehouses where there are limited spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. They are designed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on difficult surfaces.