Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
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 utilize. IC equipment are best for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the ideal machinery 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 lower. The downside is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor use, but when used outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally operates on one type of fuel, it might be a good idea to purchase an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They could function on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; then again, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
In warehouses where there are limited spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. 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.