Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
Forklifts can function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor application and cost less to operate. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a concern, the electric forklift is the best machine you could use as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much less. 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 carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually operates on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise idea to purchase an IC unit which uses the same fuel. They could function on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; however, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Types of 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 hard surfaces.