Which Power Type Is Right?

The choice between electric, LPG, and diesel forklifts comes down to where you'll use the machine and how intensively. Getting this wrong is expensive - not just the purchase price but ongoing running costs and infrastructure lock you in.

Electric Forklifts

Electric counterbalance forklifts dominate indoor warehouse operations. No exhaust emissions, quiet, and lower long-term running costs.

Used Prices

  • 1 to 2t capacity (Toyota, Crown, Jungheinrich): £4,000 to £18,000
  • 2.5 to 3.5t: £8,000 to £28,000
  • 4 to 5t: £15,000 to £40,000

The battery is the critical component. Test under load - voltage should hold steady. A reconditioned battery costs £2,000 to £6,000. Indoor use only; not for wet or muddy outdoor conditions.

LPG Forklifts

LPG works indoors and outdoors, refuels in minutes, and produces lower emissions than diesel. The go-to for mixed-use operations.

Used Prices

  • 1.5 to 2.5t: £5,000 to £20,000
  • 2.5 to 3.5t: £8,000 to £30,000
  • 4 to 5t: £15,000 to £45,000

Check the LPG regulator and gas system carefully - a poorly maintained gas system is a safety hazard. Best for: distribution centres, builders' yards, garden centres.

Diesel Forklifts

Most powerful option for demanding outdoor applications. Not suitable for indoor use in confined spaces due to emissions.

Used Prices

  • 2 to 3t: £8,000 to £25,000
  • 3 to 5t: £12,000 to £40,000
  • 7 to 10t: £20,000 to £70,000

Check DPF condition on post-2011 machines. A failed DPF costs £1,500 to £3,500. Best for: timber yards, ports, construction sites.

Key Inspection Points for All Types

Mast Condition

Extend forks to full height. Chains should be equal length with no kinking or corrosion.

Fork Condition

Check blade thickness at the heel. Under 90% of original thickness means replacement - new forks cost £400 to £1,500 per pair.

LOLER Certificate

All commercial forklifts must have a current LOLER thorough examination. Budget £150 to £300 if expired.

Summary

Electric for indoor clean operation. LPG for flexibility. Diesel for heavy outdoor work. Don't buy any forklift without verifying the LOLER certificate and testing under load.

What should you check before buying?

Before you travel to see a used forklift trucks — electric vs gas vs diesel, build a short checklist and compare the advert against real evidence. Photos and seller claims are useful, but paperwork, condition and price comparisons matter more.

  • inspection sheets, plating records and evidence of regular servicing
  • tyre condition, brake wear, AdBlue faults and dashboard warning lights
  • payload needs, operator licence requirements and likely downtime costs
  • finance status, tachograph history and whether VAT is included in the price

How much should you budget after purchase?

Budget for inspections, tyres, insurance, servicing, fuel, AdBlue and time off the road. A truck with tidy paperwork is usually safer than the cheapest example online. If the seller cannot answer basic questions or the documents do not match the vehicle, it is usually better to walk away and compare another example.

How do you judge fair value?

For commercial vehicles, downtime can cost more than a slightly higher purchase price. Compare similar age, mileage, payload and service-history examples before deciding what looks cheap. For a used forklift trucks — electric vs gas vs diesel, look at the full ownership cost rather than only the asking price. A strong example should have evidence that supports the advert: matching documents, sensible mileage, clear condition photos and answers that remain consistent when you ask follow-up questions.

If two examples look similar, choose the one with better history and fewer unknowns. A bargain with missing records, urgent repairs or vague ownership can quickly become more expensive than a tidier vehicle from a straightforward seller.

What are the main red flags?

  • missing inspection or service paperwork
  • fresh paint over rusty chassis areas or obvious leak marks
  • seller pressure to leave a deposit before a proper viewing
  • unclear VAT, finance or ownership position

None of these automatically proves a vehicle is bad, but each one should slow the deal down. Ask for evidence, compare another listing and avoid paying a holding deposit until the basics have been checked.

Questions to ask the seller

When you enquire about a used forklift trucks — electric vs gas vs diesel, ask the same questions in writing before you travel. How long has the seller owned it? Why is it being sold? What recent work has been done? Are there faults, warning lights, finance agreements or missing documents? Will it be cold when you arrive for a start-up check?

Clear answers save wasted journeys. If the seller avoids simple questions, changes the story or pushes for quick payment, keep looking.

Frequently asked questions

Is a used forklift trucks — electric vs gas vs diesel expensive to run?

Running cost depends on mileage, tyres, inspections, AdBlue use, insurance and downtime. A cheap purchase price can be poor value if maintenance records are weak.

What paperwork matters most on a used truck?

Look for service history, inspection sheets, MOT/plating records, tachograph evidence, finance status and any proof of major repairs.

Should I buy from a truck dealer or auction?

Dealers usually give more support and clearer preparation. Auctions can be cheaper, but inspection time is limited and faults may become your problem immediately after purchase.

Related Mobeo guides

If you are comparing more than one used vehicle, these guides are also worth reading before you arrange a viewing.