Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
A forklift can be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor use and cost less to operate. IC machinery are best for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the best equipment you can use as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. 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 a lot 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 to indoor application, but when used outdoors they must be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a wise idea to buy an IC unit which uses the same type of fuel. They can function 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 per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for tight spaces in 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.