Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift could be powered either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor use and cost less to utilize. IC equipment are best for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the ideal machine you can utilize 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 per-hour operating cost of electric models is lower. The disadvantage is that batteries need 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 application, but when used outdoors they should be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually runs on one type of fuel, it might be a good idea to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same kind of fuel. They could run on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; then again, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used 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 large tires for running on difficult surfaces.