Diesel Forklifts Vs. Electric Forklifts
Forklifts are powered one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor application and cost a lot less to utilize. IC equipment are best for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a problem, the electric forklift is the ideal machinery you could use since it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is much less. The disadvantage 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 to indoor application, but when used outdoors they must be utilized cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet generally runs on one type of fuel, it may be a good idea to purchase an IC unit which utilizes the same fuel. They could run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and cheaper to operate; 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 suitable for limited spaces within warehouses. 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 hard surfaces.