Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor application and cost less to use. IC equipment are best for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machinery of choice for indoor applications where air quality is a concern. 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 less. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when used outdoors they should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually runs on one kind of fuel, it may be a good choice to buy an IC unit which uses the same kind of fuel. They can function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; however, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Forklifts
Within warehouses where there are tight 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 large tires for running on difficult surfaces.