Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
Forklifts can function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor application and cost much less to operate. IC machines are best for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that 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 purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much less. The disadvantage 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 application, but when utilized outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are generally used for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally operates on one kind of fuel, it may be a good choice to buy an IC unit that uses the same type of fuel. They could function on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; however, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces in warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have large tires for running on hard surfaces.