Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
A forklift could be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to use. IC machines are suitable for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the equipment of choice for indoor applications where the quality of air is a problem. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is lower. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor use, but when used outdoors they should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet generally operates on one type of fuel, it may be a good choice to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same fuel. They can run 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; nevertheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for tight spaces in warehouses. They are designed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on hard surfaces.