Electric vs. Propane Forklifts and other Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
Not quite sure what forklift fuel type is right for you? With options like electric, propane, diesel, gasoline, and compressed natural gas forklifts, making the right choice isn’t always easy. Even though it may seem like any type of forklift regardless of the fuel does the same thing, there are notable differences to be aware of.
Electric Forklift Benefits
Quiet operation
Electric forklifts/battery-powered forklifts operate substantially quieter when compared to their internal combustion counterparts.
No fuel costs
Since there is no fuel involved in operating an electric forklift, there are no costs allocated for the space to store fuel and the fuel itself.
No emissions
Electric forklifts do not produce any odors or harmful gases. This can help you meet any emission regulations and provide a comfortable working environment for all your operators.
Reduced ownership costs
With an electric forklift there are no reciprocating parts like pistons and crankshafts. This means there is no crankcase oil, no radiator coolant, and no engine filters to change. The cost of electricity is also cheaper than fuel.
Reduced repair costs
Electric forklifts have fewer moving parts. This means it is less likely that one of them will need to be repaired or replaced.
Electric Forklift Disadvantages
Higher purchase price
Generally speaking, an electric forklift will have a higher upfront cost but will even out or be more cost effective over time as you factor in maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs.
Limited outdoor options
Even though there are electric forklifts manufactured for outdoor use, there are much more options for outdoor internal combustion engine forklifts.
Potentially more downtime
Depending on the hours an electric forklift needs to work; it will need to either be topped off during breaks or left to recharge over-night. Forgetting to do so, means you might not have enough battery life to get through the day. This is typically not a problem with internal combustion forklifts since you can simply refuel as needed.
Power
Not all electric forklifts are created equal, while there are certainly high-capacity options with consistent power out-puts, a little more thought will have to be put in to ensure that the machine you’re buying will work for you.
Liquid Propane Gas Forklift Benefits
Lower initial investment
In general, the initial cost of a LPE forklift will be lower than that of an electric or diesel forklift.
Convenient refueling
If one propane tank is not enough to get you through a full shift, refilling or switching to a full take is a quick process.
Consistent power
The power of LPG forklifts will not waver or decrease as time goes on. As long as there is fuel in your tank, you can operate at full capacity.
Outdoor and indoor options available
With different tire options and a variety of makes and models available, LPG forklifts have options for both indoor and outdoor operations.
Liquid Propane Gas Forklift Disadvantages
Emissions
If you’re working in an enclosed space with poor ventilation, the emissions that a propane forklift lets off needs to be considered. This is important for both the safety and the comfort of your operators.
Environmental impact
This will depend on your company’s stance on using fossil fuels and your green initiatives. Some companies will not consider LPG forklifts due to their reliance on fossil fuels.
Higher and unpredictable fuel costs
Propane prices are subject to fluctuation; this means the cost of operation is not always going to be the same month over month.
Less maneuverability
Generally, LPG forklifts have larger turning radiuses and longer stop times then their electric counterparts.
Moderate noise
Though quieter than a diesel forklift, LPG forklifts still generate a notable amount of noise while in use.
Fuel storage
You will need a designated area to store propane tanks and/or to refill propane tanks.
Diesel Forklift Benefits
Low initial investment
Though a diesel forklift will cost more upfront when comparing it with an LPG forklift, it is still going to be less expensive when compared to an electric forklift.
Lower fuel costs
As far as fueling up goes, diesel is going to a far cheaper option compared to liquid propane or gas.
Power
Diesel forklifts typically offer an impressive torque rating and can handle heavy duty loads over uneven terrain. This makes them particularly useful in heavy outdoor environments.
Longer engine life
Generally speaking, diesel engines are known to last much longer when compared to their LPG and gas counterparts.
Convenient refueling
If you run out of fuel, you’re able to refuel with very little downtime. If you were using an electric forklift, you would have to plug it in and wait for the battery to recharge.
Diesel Forklift Disadvantages
Emissions
Diesel forklifts produce to most emissions out of any fuel type. This generally makes them unusable indoors.
Outdoor applications only
Unless very specific conditions are met, a diesel forklift can only be used outdoors due to the noise and the emissions.
Environmental impact
This will depend on your company’s stance on using fossil fuels and your green initiatives. Some companies will not consider diesel forklifts due to their reliance on fossil fuels.
Noisy operation
Diesel forklifts are typically the noisiest of all the fuel types.
Unpredictable fuel costs
Diesel prices are subject to fluctuation; this means the cost of operation is not always going to be the same month over month.
Fuel storage
You will need a designated area to store diesel and to refill your forklift.
Gasoline Forklift Benefits
Lower initial investment
In general, the initial cost of a gasoline forklift will be lower than that of an electric or diesel forklift.
Consistent power
The power of gasoline forklifts will not waver or decrease as time goes on. As long as there is fuel in your tank, you can operate at full capacity.
Travel Speeds
Generally speaking, a gasoline forklift if going the have the highest travel speeds when compared to any of the other fuel types.
Convenient refueling
If you run out of fuel, you’re able to refuel with very little downtime. If you were using an electric forklift, you would have to plug it in and wait for the battery to recharge.
Gasoline Forklift Disadvantages
Emissions
If you’re working in an enclosed space with poor ventilation, the emissions that a gasoline forklift lets off needs to be considered. This is important for both the safety and the comfort of your operators.
High maintenance costs
Maintenance on a gasoline forklift is going to be higher than any of the other fuel types.
High fuel costs
The price of gasoline is going to be more expensive than any of the other fuel types.
Unpredictable fuel costs
Gasoline prices are subject to fluctuation; this means the cost of operation is not always going to be the same month over month
Environmental impact
This will depend on your company’s stance on using fossil fuels and your green initiatives. Some companies will not consider gasoline forklifts due to their reliance on fossil fuels.
Moderate noise
Though quieter than a diesel forklift, gasoline forklifts still generate a notable amount of noise while in use.
Fuel storage
You will need a designated area to store gasoline and to refill your forklift.
Compressed Natural Gas Forklift Benefits
Lower environmental impact
Through compressed natural gas is still a fossil fuel, it is far cleaner and more efficient than other traditional fuels. Compressed natural gas forklifts produce less pollution and greenhouse gases when compared to its other internal combustion engine counterparts.
Convenient refueling
Once a proper refueling station is put in place, you’re able to refuel your forklift without having to plug in and wait for it to change like you would an electric model.
Lower maintenance costs
Generally speaking, the maintenance cost of a CNG forklift will be lower than other traditional internal combustion engine forklifts.
Compressed Natural Gas Forklift Disadvantages
High fuel costs
Compared to LPG or Diesel forklifts, compressed natural gas burns at a much quicker rate. This means you’ll have to purchase more fuel and refill more frequently.
Environmental impact
This will depend on your company’s stance on using fossil fuels and your green initiatives. Though the environmental impact is much less than that of a propane or diesel engine, some companies will not consider CNG forklifts due to their reliance on fossil fuels.
Moderate noise
Though quieter than a diesel forklift, compressed natural gas forklifts still generate a notable amount of noise while in use.
Fuel storage
You will need a designated area to store fuel and to refill your forklift.