Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift could be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost a lot less to utilize. IC equipment are best for outdoor application and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machinery of choice for indoor use where the quality of air is a problem. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is less. The disadvantage is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor use, but when used outdoors they should be utilized cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally operates on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise idea to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same fuel. They can run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for tight spaces within warehouses. They are designed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on hard surfaces.