Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift can be powered either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor application and cost a lot less to operate. IC machinery are best for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a problem, the electric forklift is the ideal machinery you could utilize because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is less. The disadvantage is that batteries require 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 used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are commonly used for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a good idea to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same kind of fuel. They can run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; however, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Most IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Within warehouses where there are tight spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on hard surfaces.