Electric Forklift versus Diesel Forklift
A forklift can be powered either by internal combustion (IC) motor or by an electric motor. Electric forklifts are suitable for use indoors and cost less to use. IC machinery are best for outdoor application and are quicker to refuel.

Electric Forklifts
For indoor use, where the quality of air is a concern, the electric forklift is the ideal machine you can utilize because it produces no exhaust. Electric forklifts are not noisy 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 much lower. The downside is that batteries require 16 hours to charge and cool down, so purchasing an extra set of batteries is recommended. Electric lifts are not limited to indoor application, but when utilized outdoors they must be used cautiously.

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

Other Forklifts
Narrow-aisle electric forklifts are recommended for tight spaces in warehouses. They are designed to pick up loads without having to face the lift towards the stacks. Rough terrain diesel forklifts have big tires for running on hard surfaces.