Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
A forklift can be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor use and cost less to operate. IC machinery are best for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where the quality of air is a concern, the electric forklift is the best machine you can utilize as 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 per-hour operating cost of electric models is a lot less. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when utilized outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are generally utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a wise idea to purchase an IC unit that utilizes the same kind of fuel. They could run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and cheaper to operate; however, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for limited spaces in 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.