Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are best for use indoors and cost less to use. IC machines are suitable for outdoor application and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machinery of choice for indoor applications where air quality is a problem. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is lower. The disadvantage is that batteries need 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 should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually operates on one type of fuel, it may be a wise idea to buy an IC unit which uses the same type of fuel. They could function on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; however, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Within warehouses where there are limited spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have large tires for running on hard surfaces.