Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
Forklifts can function one of two ways, either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by electric motor. Electric forklifts are best for indoor application and cost a lot less to operate. IC machines are best for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
Electric lifts produce no exhaust, which makes them the equipment of choice for indoor applications where air quality is a concern. Electric forklifts are not noisy and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to purchase than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is a lot lower. The disadvantage is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so the purchase of an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when used outdoors they must be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet normally runs on one kind of fuel, it might be a good choice to purchase an IC unit that uses the same kind of fuel. They can run on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the least expensive. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; then again, their operating cost on a per hour basis is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Inside warehouses where there are tight spaces, the narrow aisle electric forklift is most suitable. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have large tires for running on difficult surfaces.