{"id":26174,"date":"2019-04-30T11:43:25","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T01:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/?p=26174"},"modified":"2022-04-11T11:40:30","modified_gmt":"2022-04-11T01:40:30","slug":"diesel-vs-lpg-vs-electric-forklifts-which-is-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/diesel-vs-lpg-vs-electric-forklifts-which-is-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Diesel vs LPG vs Electric Forklifts: Which is Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re starting a new business, upgrading your fleet or just replacing an old machine, picking the right forklift is important. Not only does it need to have the power and performance to do the task, but it also needs to be the most cost-effective option for you. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, when you\u2019re looking to buy a new forklift, what do you choose? Diesel, gas (LPG) or electric?\u00a0<\/span>To help you out, we\u2019ve compiled the pros and cons of each, to help you decide between LPG, diesel or\u00a0electric forklifts<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Diesel Forklifts<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Overview<\/span><\/h3>\n

Diesel forklifts<\/a> are powerful machines, ideal for outdoor use. On average, they have a higher torque than electric and better fuel-efficiency than LPG forklifts. Due to their noise and emissions, diesel forklifts best suit outdoor applications, and will generally out-perform both LPG and electric in that regard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pros<\/span><\/h3>\n

Consistent Power<\/strong>\u2014the biggest benefit of a diesel forklift is the pure power they offer. Diesel forklifts will almost always out-perform similar electric and LPG models. This can become even more noticeable when you add in gradients, towing work or when using a bucket for scooping aggregates. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ideal for the Outdoors<\/strong>\u2014diesel forklifts, especially when compared to their electric counterparts, are the superior choice for outdoor situations. Unlike electric forklifts they can be used without worrying about rain or snow. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cheap Fuel (sort of)<\/strong>\u2014when compared to LPG forklifts, diesel forklifts are cheaper to refuel. But, there is still some debate as to whether diesel is more environmentally friendly than LPG or not. <\/span><\/p>\n

Low Upfront Cost<\/strong>\u2014diesel forklifts have a lower upfront cost than electric forklifts, making them an affordable initial investment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cons<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not Suited for Indoor Use<\/strong>\u2014due to their emissions, diesel forklifts are not suited for indoor use. They also tend to be larger, bulkier and harder to drive than LPG and electric forklifts, which makes maneuvering them through tight and narrow spaces difficult. <\/span><\/p>\n

Expensive Maintenance<\/strong>\u2014while diesel forklifts are more affordable to purchase upfront, expensive maintenance and services costs make them more expensive than electric forklifts over their entire lifespan. <\/span><\/p>\n

Carbon Emissions<\/strong>\u2014the emissions from a diesel forklift not only make them unsuited for indoor use, but it can also be harmful to the environment. These emissions are definitely something to consider, especially for those who are environmentally conscious. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fuel<\/strong>\u2014while diesel will usually be cheaper than LPG, it is more expensive than electricity. So when it comes to fuel cost, diesel lands right in the middle. The other factor is the price of diesel may change dramatically over time, potentially raising (or lowering) the cost of use.<\/span><\/p>\n

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LPG Forklifts<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"LPG<\/h3>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h3>\n

LPG (gas) forklifts<\/a> are one of, if not the most, popular forklift on the market. They have a cheaper upfront cost than either diesel or electric, and are ideal for indoors and outdoors. They are capable of handling heavier and more demanding workloads than electric forklifts (usually), but are outperformed by the majority of diesel models.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pros<\/span><\/h3>\n

Price<\/strong>\u2014possibly the biggest selling point of LPG forklifts is their price. The initial upfront cost is much lower than diesel or electric forklifts, making them ideal for start-ups or new businesses. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fuel (sort of)<\/strong>\u2014Refueling an LPG forklift is a relatively simple affair. Just switch the cylinder over and you\u2019re good to go. LPG cylinders will usually last a whole 6-hour shift, making them reliable in almost every situation. <\/span><\/p>\n

More Power than Electric<\/strong>\u2014while not as powerful as diesel forklifts in general, LPG forklifts are able to perform better than electric forklifts over longer periods and under heavier workloads and gradients. <\/span><\/p>\n

Suitable for Indoor Work<\/strong>\u2014one of the benefits of an enclosed fuel source like LPG gas, is that these forklifts are usually suited to indoor use\u2014as long as they pass necessary standards and OH&S.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cons<\/span><\/h3>\n

Price<\/strong>\u2014similar to diesel forklifts, LPG forklifts may be cheaper upfront, but fuel, servicing and maintenance will cost you more over time. There\u2019s also the added variable that fossil fuels and gas prices may rise in the future. Adding even more ongoing costs to an LPG forklift. <\/span><\/p>\n

Performance<\/strong>\u2014though more powerful and consistent than electric forklifts, LPG forklifts are usually outperformed by diesel forklifts. Especially when you need constant, high torque. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fuel Availability<\/strong>\u2014this won\u2019t be a problem with careful planning, but LPG cylinders may not be readily available in some areas. So if planning isn\u2019t done correctly, you may find yourself with no fuel to operate your forklifts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rearward Visibility<\/strong>\u2014rearward visibility is generally restricted due to the location of the cylinder. This increases the chance of an accident and injury claims. <\/span><\/p>\n

Health Risks<\/strong>\u2014while avoidable, it\u2019s important to note that LPG cylinders can leak. Potentially causing harm to the health of your operators and other staff. So it’s important to keep up-to-date on all safety protocols for LPG forklifts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Electric Forklifts<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Overview<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most modern version of the three, <\/span>electric forklifts<\/span><\/a> have come a long way since their first introduction on the market, and have proven to be just as good as their diesel or LPG counterparts in recent years. With a lower overall cost and good safety features, electric forklifts have quickly become the first-choice for many businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pros<\/span><\/h3>\n

Zero Emissions<\/strong>\u2014probably the most obvious benefit of an electric forklift is the lack of emissions and exhaust. This is not only great for the environment, but it also reduces the risk of your employees coming into contact with exhaust during their shift, reducing the chance of health issues arising due to emissions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Safety<\/strong>\u2014an important safety feature of electric forklifts is the automatic braking. The brakes automatically kick in when you take your foot off the brake. This not only increases safety for you and others onsite, but also helps reduce the wear on the brakes, reducing maintenance. Electric forklifts are also quieter than LPG or diesel forklifts, making it easier to hear other machinery or people around you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fuel Costs<\/strong>\u2014this probably won\u2019t come as a surprise, but fuel costs for electric forklifts are almost non-existent. While it will cost you a little electricity, the cost of LPG or diesel is far above the price of electricity. In fact, a <\/span>study in Ohio<\/span><\/a> found that the annual fuel cost for an LPG forklift is about 4 times higher than a comparable electric forklift. <\/span><\/p>\n

Maintenance<\/strong>\u2014aside from lower fuel costs, electric forklifts are also cheaper to maintain and service. There\u2019s a number of reasons as to why: <\/span><\/p>\n