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 use indoors and cost less to use. IC machines are best for use outdoors and are quicker to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the ideal machine you could use because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and are not noisy. They are 20% to 40% more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is a lot lower. The disadvantage is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so buying an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor use, but when used outdoors they should be used carefully.
Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts are for outdoor applications, and their carrying capacity is more than electric forklifts. If your fleet usually runs on one type of fuel, it may be a good choice to buy an IC unit which utilizes the same fuel. They could function on gas, propane or diesel. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being less expensive to operate and easy to refuel; nonetheless, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. The majority of IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended 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.