Forklift TCO Calculator
Compare total cost of ownership: Electric vs Propane vs Diesel
Your Requirements
✅ Recommendation: Electric (Battery)
Electric forklifts offer the lowest TCO for high-usage operations due to low energy costs and minimal maintenance.
Potential savings: $48,900 over 5 years vs next best option
- Zero emissions
- Lower fuel costs
- Quieter operation
- Higher upfront cost
- Battery replacement
- Charging time
- Lower purchase price
- Quick refueling
- Indoor/outdoor use
- Fuel costs
- Emissions
- Tank storage needed
- High power
- Outdoor durability
- Long lifespan
- Emissions (outdoor only)
- Higher fuel costs
- Noise
Cost Breakdown Comparison
Understanding Forklift Total Cost of Ownership
What is TCO?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all costs associated with owning and operating a forklift over its lifetime: purchase price, fuel/energy, maintenance, and replacements. Looking at TCO rather than just purchase price helps you make better long-term decisions.
Electric Forklifts
Best for indoor operations with high usage. Higher upfront cost but lowest operating costs. Battery replacement every 5-7 years adds to TCO but zero emissions make them ideal for food/pharmaceutical warehouses.
Propane Forklifts
Versatile option for mixed indoor/outdoor use. Lower purchase price than electric, quick refueling, but ongoing fuel costs. Good choice for moderate usage operations.
Diesel Forklifts
Best for heavy outdoor applications. Highest power and durability but emissions restrict indoor use. Fuel costs vary with diesel prices. Ideal for lumber yards, construction sites, and outdoor storage facilities.