Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
A forklift can function either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor use and cost less to use. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the best equipment you can utilize because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are quiet and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase compared to IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is a lot less. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is recommended. 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 normally operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a wise idea to purchase an IC unit which utilizes the same kind of fuel. They can function on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and cheaper to operate; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most 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 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.