Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
A forklift could be powered either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to utilize. IC equipment are best for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the machine of choice for indoor use where the quality of air is a problem. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy compared to IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is lower. The downside is that batteries require 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 utilized outdoors they should be used cautiously.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor use, and their carrying capacity is higher than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally runs on one kind of fuel, it may be a wise choice to buy an IC unit that uses the same fuel. They could run on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being easy to refuel and less expensive to operate; then again, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for tight spaces inside warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on hard surfaces.