Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift could be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor use and cost a lot less to operate. IC machines are suitable for outdoor use and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machinery of choice for indoor use where air quality is a problem. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is lower. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor use, but when utilized outdoors they must be utilized cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are usually used for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually runs on one type of fuel, it might be a good choice to purchase an IC unit which utilizes the same kind of fuel. They could function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis 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.