Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
Forklifts can function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost a lot less to utilize. IC equipment are best for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machinery of choice for indoor use where air quality is a concern. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is lower. The downside is that batteries need 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 are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally runs on one type of fuel, it may be a wise idea to purchase an IC unit which utilizes the same type of fuel. They can run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
In warehouses where there are tight 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 huge tires for running on hard surfaces.