Electric or diesel: which forklift should you rent?
Short answer: rent an electric forklift if you work indoors or outdoors on a paved surface. It is quiet and produces no exhaust fumes in the workplace. Rent a diesel forklift for rough or unpaved terrain and the heaviest loads. Electric can be rented from 1.5 to 18 tonnes, diesel from 2.5 to 30 tonnes. Both from €75 per day, excl. VAT.
Updated on · prices excl. VAT · transport listed separately in the quote
What is the difference between an electric and a diesel forklift?
| Feature | Electric forklift | Diesel forklift |
|---|---|---|
| Area of operation | Indoors and on paved outdoor surfaces | Outdoors, including on rough and unpaved terrain |
| Lifting capacity | 1.5 to 18 tonnes | 2.5 to 30 tonnes |
| Rental price per day | From €75 (1.5 tonnes) | From €75 (2.5 tonnes) |
| Energy | Charging. With lithium-ion you can opportunity charge. | Think and work through |
| Emissions and noise in the workplace | No exhaust fumes, quiet | Exhaust fumes and more noise |
| Surface | Level floor and paved terrain | Rough, wet or unpaved surface |
| Working in shifts | Yes, with lithium-ion and opportunity charging | Yes, you refuel and keep working |
| Indoor use | Yes | Intended for outdoor use; indoors only briefly and in a very well-ventilated space |
| Typical sectors | Warehouse, food and production | Construction, steel and containers |
Prices excl. VAT. From a lifting capacity of 4 tonnes (4,000 kg), the price is on request.
Need a forklift for your work?
Tell us what you want to lift; we will advise you on the right machine and send a no-obligation quote.
When should you choose an electric forklift?
Choose electric if you work indoors, or outdoors on a level, paved surface. An electric forklift is quiet and produces no exhaust fumes in the workplace. That suits work in a warehouse, in production and with food. We rent out electric forklifts from 1.5 to 18 tonnes. Do you work in shifts? Then choose a model with a lithium-ion battery. You can opportunity charge it. Read more about renting a forklift for shift work.
When should you choose a diesel forklift?
Choose diesel if you work outdoors on rough, unpaved or wet terrain, or if you move the heaviest loads. Think of construction, steel and containers. You refuel a diesel forklift and then keep working. We rent out diesel forklifts from 2.5 to 30 tonnes. A diesel produces exhaust fumes and makes more noise. That is why it is intended for outdoor use. Do you work mainly indoors? Then we recommend an electric forklift.
What is the difference in rental price?
The starting price is the same: €75 per day, excl. VAT. Do pay attention to the lifting capacity, though. For electric that price applies to 1.5 tonnes, for diesel to 2.5 tonnes. You rent per day, per week or per month. The monthly rate applies to rentals from 3 months. From a lifting capacity of 4 tonnes (4,000 kg), the price is on request, for electric and for diesel. Transport costs are listed separately in the quote. All rates can be found in our overview of rental prices.
Can an electric forklift also handle heavy work?
Yes. You can rent an electric forklift up to 18 tonnes. For heavy work there are the high-voltage B-X models. That way you can also move heavy loads without exhaust fumes in the workplace. Do you need more lifting capacity? Then choose diesel, because diesel goes up to 30 tonnes. For this, take a look at our heavy-duty forklifts for heavy loads. Do you use attachments? They reduce the lifting capacity. We calculate the residual capacity for you in advance.
What do you need to charge an electric forklift?
You need a charging point at the location where the forklift works. We work with you in advance on the charging point and the connection. That way you know beforehand whether electric suits your location. When you make your request, tell us where the forklift will work and whether you work in shifts. If you choose a lithium-ion battery, you can opportunity charge. Unable to arrange a charging point? Then a diesel or LPG forklift is a logical choice.
Is LPG a middle ground?
Yes, for lighter work. An LPG forklift can be rented from 1.5 to 5 tonnes, from €70 per day (1.5 tonnes, excl. VAT). You use it outdoors, and also indoors if the space is well ventilated. That is useful if you alternate between indoors and outdoors and have no charging point. Do you need more than 5 tonnes of lifting capacity? Then choose electric or diesel. For rough terrain, diesel remains the choice.
Selection guide: electric or diesel?
Choose electric if …
- you work indoors, or outdoors on a paved surface;
- you want no exhaust fumes and little noise in the workplace;
- you need a lifting capacity of 1.5 to 18 tonnes;
- you have a charging point or can arrange one.
Choose diesel if …
- you work outdoors on rough, unpaved or wet terrain;
- you need more than 18 tonnes of lifting capacity, up to 30 tonnes;
- you want to refuel and keep working;
- you have no charging point on site.
Still unsure? Then read which forklift you need.
Choose your forklift or request a quote
We deliver every rental machine VA-keur inspected. We arrange the transport and agree the delivery date with you when you make your request. For a sound proposal we ask for: weight and dimensions of the heaviest load, lift height, clearance height, surface, indoors or outdoors, rental period and delivery address.
