Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
A forklift could function either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor application and cost less to use. IC machinery are best for outdoor application and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a concern, the electric forklift is the suitable machinery you could use since it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is much less. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of 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 usually used for outdoor applications. If your fleet usually runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise idea to buy an IC unit that utilizes the same type of fuel. They could run 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; nonetheless, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Nearly all IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces inside warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to position the lift facing the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on hard surfaces.