Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift can be powered either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor use and cost less to use. IC machines are best for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machinery of choice for indoor use where the quality of air is a concern. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is less. The disadvantage 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 for use indoors, but when used outdoors they should be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a good choice to purchase an IC unit which uses the same type of fuel. They could run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; nevertheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Most IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces within warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on difficult surfaces.