Electric, (CNG), (LPG) or Diesel Powered Forklift? Determining the Best Forklift Fuel Type for Your Business’s Workplace

Picking the Best Forklift Fuel Type

Have you ever wondered which forklift fuel type is the most beneficial for your business operation? Electric, (LPG),or Diesel? This can become an ambitious task especially, when weighing in all the various variables needing consideration when making an informed decision in choosing the best lift truck power option for your business operation over another. So if you're in the market for a new or used forklift or you are just looking to read up on best options for down the road our forklift specialists here at Madland Toyota Lift are always here to help you make an informed decision.

To answer the question of which fuel type would be best for you, you first need to examine and define your current and future application requirements. Such as what types of working environments will your material handling equipment operate in? Will you be expanding in the near future? Are you looking to require used equipment? 

Things to Consider When Selecting Forklift Fuel Type:

• Operational environments: Extreme heat, cold?
• Load capacity requirements
• Lift height requirements
• Operating surface requirements
• Upfront costs
• Long-term operational costs
• Current application requirements
• Long-term application requirements  

Below we have a summarized overview with advantages, disadvantaged and best suited applications for the different forklift fuel types available. If you are still needing a questions answered please make sure to contact our forklift experts today! 

LIQUID PROPANE GAS (LPG)

Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) powered lift trucks can both be grouped together with other internal combustion forklifts in that they utilized an internal combustion engine. If you'd like to know in more detail about (LPG) lift trucks, contact our forklift experts today to have your questions answered.

LPG – Propane Advantages

Cheaper than alternatives, with reduced upfront costs

Significantly lower emissions and pollutants.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications with proper ventilation

Fast refueling times.

Limited downtime as there is no battery to re-charge

Best rates of acceleration, travel and lift speeds

LPG – Propane Disadvantages 

Maintenance costs are known to be higher than electric forklift models for most operations

Gas tanks can reduce rear view visibility

Even with reduced emission, (LPG) models may not be an option for food industry businesses

Electric Forklifts

Electric lift trucks are excepted as the most environmentally friendly option when compared to diesel and (LPG) internal combustions powered forklift options. Their inherent design and construction enables them to be fast, easily maneuvered and capable of wide ranging unit loads and lift capacities. Which in turn makes electric forklifts perfectly suited for indoor use.

Electric Forklift Advantages

Environmentally friendliest forklift truck

Quieter, cleaner, and easier operation when compared to other forklift types

Easier maneuverability than (LPG) and diesel forklift models

Cheaper operating costs, recharging batteries generally is cheaper than a tank of diesel, and (LPG)

Electric Disadvantages

Higher upfront costs, due to batteries and charging equipment

Reduces usable facility space due to charging equipment and battery storage

Not as weather resistant to precipitation as (LPG) and diesel forklifts

Traditional battery recharging times of 8 or more hours

Battery replacement usually after 5-7 years

Need for smoother floor surfaces for some models

Lift capacities are limited when compared to diesel and some (LPG) units generally up to 12,000 lbs.

Suitable Electric Application Uses 

Suitable applications uses for electric forklifts have greatly improved in recent times to include a wide range of indoor and outdoor tasks including lifting goods and products in and out of racking and moving them around your facility.

More electric models now more than ever are ideally suited for production work environments and are capable of loading and unloading heavy loads like supplies and components. Electric lift trucks are also very well suited in operations that require cold temperatures and also food and beverage facilities.

Diesel Forklifts 

Diesel lift trucks are known as some of the toughest workhorses in the material handling industry. Specifically designed to withstand demanding, wet, dirty outdoor work conditions that require increased lifting capability.  

Diesel Advantages 

Diesel Disadvantages 

Higher toxic exhaust emissions

Increased need for ventilation or open spaces due to toxic emissions

Louder engines can impair communication

Not as maneuverable as electric and (LPG) models

Diesel fueling expenses can be higher than propane depending on the markets

Need for a large refueling tank onsite can be costly 

Suitable Diesel Application Uses