Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
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 less to operate. IC equipment are suitable for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machinery of choice for indoor applications where air quality is a concern. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is a lot lower. 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 to indoor application, but when utilized outdoors they must be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are generally utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally operates on one type of fuel, it may be a wise idea to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same kind of fuel. They can run on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and cheaper to operate; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Types of Forklifts
Inside 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.