Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
A forklift can function either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to operate. IC machinery are best for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a concern, the electric forklift is the ideal machinery you could utilize since it produces no exhaust. 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 require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are generally used for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually runs on one type of fuel, it might be a wise idea to buy an IC unit that uses the same fuel. They could run on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; however, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces in warehouses. They are constructed 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.