Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
Forklifts can function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to utilize. IC machinery are best for outdoor application and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machine of choice for indoor use where the quality of air is a concern. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is lower. The disadvantage is that batteries require 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 should be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet generally operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a wise idea to purchase an IC unit that uses 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 cheaper to operate; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for tight spaces within warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have large tires for running on difficult surfaces.