We sell, rent, and repair all three, so we do not have a horse in this race. Each power type is the right answer for a specific kind of work, and the wrong one costs you every shift. Here is how they actually compare in the east GTA, where most fleets end up running a mix.
Propane (LPG): the GTA default
Propane counterbalance trucks are the most common forklift in Ontario for a reason. They work indoors and out, refuel in five minutes with a cylinder swap, run multiple shifts without a charging room, and handle ramps, docks, and mixed floors without complaint. Capacity ranges from 3,000 lb warehouse units up to heavy pneumatic-tire trucks.
The trade-offs: they produce exhaust, so indoor use needs ventilation and, in enclosed spaces, carbon monoxide monitoring. Cylinders need safe storage and handling. And the engine, fuel system, and cooling system need real maintenance — regulators, lockoffs, and filters are the most common service items we see.
Electric: clean, quiet, and growing fast
Electric forklifts have no exhaust, run quiet, and cost less per hour to operate. They are the standard in food and pharmaceutical facilities, cold storage, and most modern distribution centres. Three-wheel electrics turn in tighter aisles than anything with an engine, and nearly all reach trucks, order pickers, and pallet jacks are electric by definition.
The trade-offs are up front. Lead-acid batteries need a charging area, daily charging or a second battery for multi-shift work, weekly watering, and an eventual replacement that can cost more than an old truck. Lithium packs remove most of that hassle with opportunity charging and no watering, at a higher initial price. Electrics are also less happy on wet, rough, or steep outdoor ground.
Diesel: outdoor muscle
Diesel trucks bring torque and capacity for lumber yards, steel, construction supply, and container work. They shrug off gravel, grades, and weather, run long shifts on one tank, and go up to capacities no electric or propane truck matches.
They do not belong indoors. Diesel exhaust in an enclosed building is a health and compliance problem, and newer engines carry emissions systems (DPF, DEF) that need highway-style operation and maintenance. They are also the loudest of the three and the heaviest on brakes and tires.
The decision checklist
Run your operation through these and the answer usually falls out:
- Indoor, outdoor, or both? Indoor only favours electric. Both favours propane. Outdoor and heavy favours diesel.
- How many shifts? Multi-shift without a charging plan favours propane or diesel; with lithium or spare batteries, electric works.
- Food, pharma, or cold storage? Electric, almost always — but plan for cold-rated batteries in freezers.
- Floor and grade? Ramps, docks, gravel, and outdoor lots push toward pneumatic-tire propane or diesel.
- Aisle width and racking? Narrow aisles mean electric reach trucks or three-wheel electrics.
- Budget horizon? Electric costs more up front and less per hour; propane is the cheapest to buy and easy to service; diesel is the heavy-duty premium.
What GTA fleets actually run
Across Scarborough, Durham, and York Region, propane counterbalance trucks are still the majority in manufacturing and general warehousing. Electric fleets dominate the newer distribution centres along the 400 and 407 and every food plant. Diesel lives at the yards — lumber, steel, aggregate, and construction supply from Vaughan out to Bowmanville. Mixed fleets are normal, and the one-vendor advantage of a shop that services all three is real.
Service differences to plan for
Propane and diesel trucks need engine, fuel, and cooling maintenance on a 250-hour cycle. Electrics skip that but need battery discipline every week and periodic controller, contactor, and motor checks. All three share hydraulics, mast, brakes, steering, and tires — which is where most of the wear happens regardless of what powers the truck.