2025 Forklift Selection Guide - Diesel Electric or LPG? A table tells you-RUNTX Machinery Group

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2025 Forklift Selection Guide - Diesel Electric or LPG? A table tells you

Feb 19,2025

Dimension	Diesel Forklift	Electric Forklift	LPG Forklift (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
Primary Use Cases	Outdoor heavy-duty operations (construction sites, ports, container handling, cross-site transport)	Indoor precision operations (warehouses, production lines, cold storage, truck loading/unloading)	Mixed indoor/outdoor scenarios (warehouse racking, inter-building transport, production line replenishment)
Power & Efficiency	High torque & traction Best climbing performance Fastest acceleration & lifting speed	Optimal maneuverability (centralized battery gravity) Quiet & smooth operation Adaptable to multi-shelf scenarios	Balanced speed (acceleration/travel/lifting) Instant fuel swap (no charging downtime)
Cost Economics	Lower upfront cost than electric No charging/battery replacement costs Easily accessible fuel	Lowest long-term cost (minimal maintenance & cheap charging) High energy efficiency	Lowest upfront cost Moderate fuel expense (cheaper than diesel)
Eco & Safety	Highest carbon emissions Noise >85dB (requires ear protection) Requires exhaust ventilation	Zero emissions & noise pollution No ventilation limits indoors Optional weatherproof models	Lower emissions than diesel (residual CO₂) Moderate noise (60-70dB)
Limitations	Banned indoors (toxic fumes) Sensitive to fuel price fluctuations High maintenance frequency (engine)	Highest initial investment 2-8hr charging downtime Requires rain protection outdoors	Gas tanks obstruct rear visibility Dedicated storage area required (fire safety) Efficiency drops in sub-zero temperatures

1. Adaptability to special scenarios
Extreme environments:
Diesel: First choice for muddy/wet sites (rust-proof design + pneumatic tires)
Electric: Battery heating required below -20℃ (except cold storage models)
LPG: Operate at -40℃~50℃ (wide fuel adaptability)

Load capacity:
Diesel: 5-50 tons (first choice for heavy loads)
Electric: 1-8 tons (light standard operation)
LPG: 2-15 tons (balanced type)

2. Hidden cost analysis
Diesel: Annual maintenance cost (frequent filter/oil replacement)
Electric: Battery life 3-5 years (replacement cost)
LPG: Annual inspection of gas tanks + dedicated transport vehicles (compliance cost)

3. Productivity impact
Continuous operation:
Diesel/LPG: 24-hour shifts (fast refueling)
Electric: backup battery required (or charging at night)
Manpower training:
Electric: lowest threshold for operation (no gear shifting/ignition)
Diesel: professional maintenance skills required (engine troubleshooting)

Selection suggestions
Diesel preferred:
If the operation involves rough terrain, long-distance transportation or loads exceeding 10 tons
Local environmental regulations should be noted (some cities restrict diesel engine access)
Electric is preferred:
More than 80% of the operation is indoors and the load is ≤5 tons
The company has a carbon neutrality goal or is located in a green park
LPG is selected for balance:
Mixed scenarios (such as warehouse-loading area-external yard route)
Budget is limited but some environmental requirements need to be taken into account

Analysis of the Development Status and Future Trends of the Chinese Forklift Manufacturing Industry

Construction Machinery Industry Review Report: Forklift Sales in May Increased by 10% Year-on-Year, Continuing the Growth Trend