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 indoor use and cost a lot less to use. IC machines are suitable for outdoor application and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a problem, the electric forklift is the ideal machinery you can use as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are quiet and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is less. 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 used outdoors they should be utilized cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally runs on one kind of fuel, it may be a wise choice to purchase an IC unit that utilizes the same type of fuel. They could function on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Inside 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 large tires for running on difficult surfaces.