Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
A forklift can function either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost a lot less to operate. IC machines are suitable for outdoor use and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machine of choice for indoor applications where air quality is a concern. Electric forklifts are quiet and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is less. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when used outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally operates on one kind of fuel, it might be a good idea to purchase an IC unit that utilizes the same type of fuel. They could run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; however, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for tight spaces within warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on hard surfaces.