Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to operate. IC equipment are suitable for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machinery of choice for indoor applications where air quality is a problem. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. 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 much less. The disadvantage is that batteries require 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 cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are commonly used for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise idea to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same kind of fuel. They could run on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for tight spaces inside warehouses. They are constructed 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.