Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
A forklift could be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for use indoors and cost a lot less to operate. IC machines are suitable for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the equipment of choice for indoor use where the quality of air is a concern. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much less. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor use, but when used outdoors they must be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually runs on one type of fuel, it might be a wise choice to buy an IC unit that uses the same fuel. They can run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Types of 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 big tires for running on difficult surfaces.