Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
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 a lot less to use. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors 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 concern. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. 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 a lot less. The downside is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet generally runs on one type of fuel, it might be a wise idea to buy an IC unit which uses the same fuel. They could run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; then again, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of 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 position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on hard surfaces.