Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
Forklifts could function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor application and cost a lot less to use. IC machines are suitable for outdoor use and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where air quality is a concern, the electric forklift is the ideal machinery you can use since it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is a lot less. The downside is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise idea to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same fuel. They can function on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and cheaper to operate; nevertheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
Inside warehouses where there are limited spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. 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.