Why More Companies Are Choosing Electrification Over Propane Forklifts – and Why You Should Too
Over the last several years, a major shift has been happening in the material handling world—more and more businesses are replacing their propane-powered forklifts with electric units. Whether you operate a manufacturing plant or a distribution center, the benefits of electrification are hard to ignore.
As someone who’s worked in warehouses across the country and now helps businesses find the right battery and charger solutions every day, I’ve seen firsthand how the switch to electric can dramatically improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals.
Let’s break it down.
Top 3 Benefits for Distribution Centers
1. Cleaner, Safer Work Environment
Electric forklifts produce zero emissions, making them ideal for indoor use. In a fast-paced distribution center where air quality, employee safety, and regulatory compliance are critical, removing propane emissions is a no-brainer.
2. Lower Operating Costs
Electric forklifts have fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance and lower service costs. When you run a 24/7 operation, that reliability adds up fast in both uptime and dollars saved.
3. Quieter Operation
A quieter forklift means less noise pollution on the warehouse floor. That improves communication, reduces operator fatigue, and contributes to a more productive environment overall.
Top 3 Benefits for Manufacturing Facilities
1. Energy Efficiency
Electric forklifts are much more energy-efficient than their propane counterparts. In manufacturing environments where multiple shifts run daily, that efficiency turns into long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.
2. Precision Control
Electric lifts offer smoother acceleration and braking, which is critical when maneuvering around complex production lines or transporting delicate materials.
3. Easier Fleet Management
With electric fleets, you can leverage battery monitoring systems and telematics to track usage, schedule maintenance, and optimize shift coverage—all with a level of data propane just can’t offer.
Important: Don’t Skip the Power Study
Before switching to electric, it’s critical to conduct a power study. This helps you:
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Measure how much energy your fleet will consume.
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Determine the optimal battery capacity and charging infrastructure.
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Avoid downtime or strain on your existing electrical system.
A good power study will ensure your battery solution matches your actual operational demand—not just what looks good on paper.
Things to Consider Before Making the Switch
While electric forklifts are a smart move for most indoor operations, there are a few scenarios where propane still has an edge:
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Outdoor Use: Electric lifts struggle in harsh outdoor environments, especially in rain or extreme cold unless properly spec’d.
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Limited Onsite Power: If your facility has electrical constraints, you may need to invest in infrastructure upgrades before converting.
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Heavy Multi-Shift Use Without Fast Chargers: If you're running around the clock without adequate chargers, you may fall behind unless you upgrade your charging plan.
That said, all of these challenges can be solved with the right planning and support.
Save Big with Pre-Owned Electric Forklifts and Batteries
If you’re worried about the initial investment, there’s good news: you don’t have to buy new. At Warehouse Buyers Club, we offer pre-owned electric forklifts, industrial batteries, and chargers at incredible savings—without compromising performance.
Our team can also help you pair the right equipment with your existing fleet, conduct a power study, or upgrade your current charging area.
Bottom Line
Electrification isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of warehouse operations. Whether you’re in manufacturing or distribution, switching from propane to electric forklifts is a smart move that can lead to cleaner operations, long-term savings, and smarter logistics.
And when you’re ready to make the switch, Warehouse Buyers Club is here to help you do it smarter, safer, and more affordably.
Stay safe out there,
– Jeff Hillen
CEO, Warehouse Buyers Club
