Diesel Forklifts Versus Electric Forklifts
Forklifts could function one of two ways, either by electric motor or by internal combustion (IC) motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor application and cost a lot less to use. IC equipment are suitable 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 air quality is a concern. Electric forklifts are quiet and clean. They are 20% to 40% 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 purchasing an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when utilized outdoors they should be utilized carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally operates on one type of fuel, it may be a wise idea to buy an IC unit that uses the same kind of fuel. They can function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; nevertheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be utilized indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are suitable for limited spaces in 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.