Diesel Forklifts Versus 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 use and cost much less to operate. IC machines are suitable for outdoor use and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the ideal machinery you could utilize as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is less. The downside is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when used outdoors they should be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally operates on one kind of fuel, it might be a good idea to buy an IC unit that uses the same type of fuel. They could function 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; however, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Inside warehouses where there are limited 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.