Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
A forklift could function either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor use and cost less to use. IC machines are best for outdoor use and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the best machine you could utilize since it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. 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 much lower. The downside is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing 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 more than electric forklifts. If your fleet generally runs on one type of fuel, it may be a good choice to purchase an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They can run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Within warehouses where there are limited 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 big tires for running on difficult surfaces.