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 best for use indoors and cost less to operate. IC machines are best for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machine of choice for indoor applications where the quality of air is a concern. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is much lower. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when used 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 operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a good choice to purchase an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They can run on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and cheaper to operate; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
In warehouses where there are tight 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 big tires for running on difficult surfaces.