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 use indoors and cost much less to operate. IC equipment are best for outdoor use and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the suitable machinery you could utilize as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is lower. The disadvantage is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when used outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet generally operates on one type of fuel, it may be a good idea to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same fuel. They could function on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and cheaper to operate; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Inside warehouses where there are tight spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. They are designed 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.