Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
Forklifts can function 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 use. IC equipment are suitable for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the equipment of choice for indoor applications where the quality of air is a concern. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much lower. The disadvantage 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 to indoor use, but when used outdoors they should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are generally used for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally operates on one type of fuel, it may be a good idea to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same kind of fuel. They could run on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; then again, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Inside 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 big tires for running on hard surfaces.