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 application and cost a lot less to utilize. IC machinery are suitable for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the best machine you can use as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is a lot lower. The disadvantage is that batteries need 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 must be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a good choice to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They could run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; nevertheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
In warehouses where there are limited 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 hard surfaces.