Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
A forklift could be powered either by an electric motor or by an internal combustion or IC motor. Electric forklifts are best for use indoors and cost less to operate. IC machines are best for use outdoors and are faster to refuel.
Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where air quality is a problem, the electric forklift is the best machine you could use as it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are quiet and clean. They are 20 - 40 percent more expensive to buy than IC lifts, but the operating cost of electric models on a per hour basis is less. The downside is that batteries need 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is suggested. Electric lifts are not limited for use indoors, but when used outdoors they should be used cautiously.
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 kind of fuel, it might be a good idea to buy an IC unit which uses the same 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 per-hour cost to operate is higher. Most IC models cannot be used indoors.
Other Kinds of Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for limited spaces within warehouses. They are designed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have huge tires for running on hard surfaces.