Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor use and cost less to operate. IC equipment are suitable for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a problem, the electric forklift is the ideal machine you can utilize because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is less. The downside 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 should be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually operates on one type of fuel, it might be a good choice to buy an IC unit that uses the same kind of fuel. They could function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for tight spaces in warehouses. 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.