Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to operate. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machinery of choice for indoor applications where the quality of air is a concern. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much less. The disadvantage is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when used outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise idea to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They can function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; however, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for limited spaces inside warehouses. 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 difficult surfaces.