Electric Forklift Vs. Diesel Forklift
Forklifts could function one of two ways, either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for indoor use and cost less to operate. IC machines are best for outdoor application and are faster to refuel.

Electric Forklifts
For indoor applications, where the quality of air is a concern, the electric forklift is the suitable machinery you could utilize as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are clean and quiet. 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 much lower. The downside 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 for use indoors, but when utilized outdoors they must be utilized carefully.

Diesel Forklifts
Internal Combustion forklifts have a higher carrying capacity than electric forklifts and are commonly utilized for outdoor applications. If your fleet normally operates on one type of fuel, it might be a wise choice to buy an IC unit which uses the same kind of fuel. They could function on diesel, gas or propane. Diesel is the most economical. IC forklifts have the advantage of being cheaper to operate and easy to refuel; then again, their per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be utilized indoors.

Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for tight spaces inside warehouses. They are constructed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on difficult surfaces.