Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for use indoors and cost much less to operate. IC equipment are suitable for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where the quality of air is a concern, the electric forklift is the best machine you could use because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is much lower. 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 must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise choice to buy an IC unit which uses the same fuel. They could function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; then again, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for tight spaces within warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on difficult surfaces.