Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
A forklift could function either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to use. IC equipment are suitable for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the best machinery you could use since it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is lower. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when utilized 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 generally runs on one type of fuel, it may be a good choice to purchase an IC unit which uses the same kind of fuel. They can function 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 Types of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces in 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 difficult surfaces.