Propane-powered Forklifts vs Electric Forklifts

Written on: October 23, 2023

Find Out Why It’s Propane for the Win for Your Business

Whether you’re purchasing office supplies or making equipment upgrades, you have to keep one eye on the bottom line and the other on maintaining the quality and service your customers expect. If you rely on forklifts in your business, such as warehouse management, construction, or manufacturing, you may be considering your options when it comes to power, efficiency and fuel costs. For extra-heavy-duty jobs and rugged outdoor terrain, diesel-run equipment makes sense. But for most other work, you need to compare propane-powered forklifts with electric. Both options offer a cleaner-burning alternative to diesel-powered equipment. While the price of propane and electricity can fluctuate with the market and demand, the rising cost of electricity is leveling the field compared to propane.

Depending on how and where you operate forklifts—and what other equipment you use, there are distinct benefits to propane-fueled forklifts.

Here’s our guide to the pros and cons of propane-powered forklifts vs electric forklifts.

Pros of Electric Forklifts:

• Low maintenance costs because there are fewer moving parts
• Zero emissions, good for indoor spaces
• Very quiet to operate
• No need to store fuel on site
• Lower center of balance, better turn ratios and better rear-view visibility

Cons of Electric Forklifts

• Not ideal for outdoor/wet operations
• Not ideal for steady/constant operation
• More downtime for charging—8 hours plus cool-down time
• Batteries lose power as they drain, and drain faster with heavier loads
• Expensive up-front costs
• Requires ventilation around charging areas
• Need to install eyewash stations
• May require upgraded higher-voltage lines

Cons of Propane Forklifts

• Require regular maintenance—tune-ups, oil changes, etc.
• Require a designated area and racks for cylinder storage
• Emit small amounts of carbon dioxide, so not ideal for extended use in unventilated spaces
• Noisier than electric models

Pros of Propane Forklifts

• Operate at 100% power as long as there’s propane in the cylinder
• Replacing cylinders takes just a few minutes—that’s less off the job
• Better at handling heavier loads and more capable when it comes to inclines.
• Propane is versatile, and can power other equipment you may use besides forklifts: welding equipment, commercial mowers, asphalt heaters, pressure washers, small cranes, water pumps, floor buffers and more.
• Longer equipment life overall
• Cylinder exchange programs ensure easy, on-site supplies

The Convenience of Propane

A reliable propane cylinder exchange program makes managing your forklift operations automatic. Pico Propane’s knowledgeable team will partner with you to evaluate your needs and ensure you always have full tanks on site and ready to go. We’ll set you up with sturdy, safe storage cages, as well as thorough and certified safety training for your employees.

Let Pico Propane’s commercial propane team tailor a program that will grow with your business—and help your business grow, thanks to the efficiency and power or propane. Contact us today to learn more!