Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
A forklift could be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to utilize. IC machines are suitable for outdoor application and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the best machinery you could utilize because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. 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 lower. The disadvantage 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 to indoor application, but when utilized outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are usually used for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally runs on one kind of fuel, it may be a good choice to purchase an IC unit which utilizes the same fuel. They can run on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; nevertheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of 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 position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on difficult surfaces.