Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
Forklifts can 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 use. IC equipment are suitable for outdoor application and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, that makes them the machinery of choice for indoor use where air quality is a concern. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the per-hour operating cost of electric models is a lot less. The downside 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 utilized outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity compared to electric forklifts and are usually utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet generally runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a wise choice to purchase an IC unit that utilizes the same kind of fuel. They can function on propane, diesel or gas. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; however, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
In 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 hard surfaces.