Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
A forklift can function either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable 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 the quality of air is a problem, the electric forklift is the suitable equipment you can use since it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is less. The disadvantage is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when utilized outdoors they should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are generally utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally runs on one type of fuel, it may be a good choice to buy an IC unit that uses the same kind of fuel. They could function on gas, propane or diesel. 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 recommended for limited spaces in warehouses. They are constructed 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.