Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
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 suitable for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machine of choice for indoor applications where the quality of air is a problem. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis 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 recommended. 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 more than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise choice to purchase an IC unit which utilizes the same kind of fuel. They could function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited 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 hard surfaces.