Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
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 less to use. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machine of choice for indoor use 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 operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is a lot 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 to indoor use, but when used outdoors they should be utilized 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 operates on one kind of fuel, it might be a good choice to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They can function on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; however, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for tight spaces inside warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on difficult surfaces.