Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift can be powered either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC 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 applications, 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% to 40% more expensive to buy compared to 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 buying an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are usually used for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally runs on one type of fuel, it might be a wise choice to purchase an IC unit which uses the same kind of fuel. They can run 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; then again, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
Inside warehouses where there are tight spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on difficult surfaces.