Electric Vs. Propane Forklifts - Which is Best?

Which is better, an electric or propane forklift? The right answer depends on your application, and it may surprise you.

Ten years ago, propane forklifts were the go-to choice for outdoor applications looking for a cleaner, quieter alternative to diesel. But electric forklifts have toughened up in recent years. Manufacturers now make electric forklifts designed to operate outdoors on rugged terrain and even in the rain.

Here’s what you need to know about when to buy an electric vs. an LP gas lift truck:

Propane Vs. Electric Forklifts

For some applications, choosing a propane vs. electric forklift is easy:

• Food, pharmaceutical and/or applications with underground facilities must use electric forklifts because they have zero emissions.
• Propane forklifts are better for applications where the forklift operates remotely (because it’s faster to change a propane tank in the field versus driving the forklift back to a home base for charging).

If your operation does not fall into one of the categories above, here are some other factors to consider when deciding between an electric or propane forklift. 

Purchase Price: If your operation is on a strict budget, a propane forklift can be an attractive choice. That said, the upfront cost savings can be zeroed out by high fuel prices in a year or two.

Total Cost of Ownership: Electric forklifts require minimal maintenance compared to internal combustion forklifts. Also, the cost of electricity is less volatile than the cost of fossil fuels.

Charging Opportunities: Forklift battery technology has come a long way. Lithium-ion batteries can fast charge during breaks. Many multi-shift operations can get by with only one battery. If your operation runs 24/7, a propane forklift may be a better option.

We can help you run some calculations and determine which option is best. Or, read this short overview of what to expect when converting from an IC to electric fleet. 

Mid-Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling serves customers from Seattle and King County to Wenatchee, Yakima and the Tri-Cities. Here are some examples of different industries we work with and their preferred forklift:

Electric Forklift
Seafood Distributors
Agriculture (apples, hay)
Food and Beverage Distributors
Logistics Suppliers

Propane Forklift
Ports and Marinas
Forestry and Lumber
Rental Companies 
Pipe and Culvert Manufacturing 

Buy or Rent Electric and LP Forklifts in Washington State

Browse our inventory of forklifts for sale in Washington state or let us know what type of used forklift you're looking for (capacity, power type, etc.). If you have questions, our local forklift experts are happy to help. Our goal is to help you find the right equipment for your application and budget.

If you’re not sure whether an electric or propane forklift will be better for your business, why not rent before you decide? We have many different types of forklifts for rent and offer flexible terms, including the option to rent-to-own.

Questions?

Contact us online or by phone:

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

Related Reading:
How Much Does a Forklift Cost?
How to Switch from IC to Electric Forklifts to Go Green and Save Money
Should I Buy or Rent a Forklift?