Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
A forklift can function either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to use. IC equipment are best for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a problem, the electric forklift is the suitable machine you could utilize as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are quiet and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase compared to IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is 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 utilized outdoors they should be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are usually utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a good idea to purchase an IC unit which uses the same fuel. They could run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; then again, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces in warehouses. They are designed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on hard surfaces.