An LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) forklift is an internal combustion (IC) lift truck powered by propane. These machines are among the most popular choices for material handling, bridging the gap between the zero emissions of electric forklifts and the raw power of diesel models.
Major Brands & Models
The LPG forklift market is dominated by several key manufacturers:
Toyota: The 50-8FG series offers heavy-duty pneumatic tire forklifts with capacities of 13,500 to 17,500 lbs. The Toyota 8FGU25 (5,000 lb capacity) is a popular model.
Hyundai: The 9A-range of 2.5 – 3.5 ton LPG forklifts features powerful Stage V engines.
Yale: Compact LPG counterbalance models like the GLC40-55VX offer capacities from 4,000 to 5,500 kg.
Hyster: The S2.0FT DuraMatch LPG has a capacity of 4,409 lbs (2,000 kg).
Cat Lift Trucks: The GP series offers LPG models with capacities from 1,500 kg to 3,500 kg.
JCB: Added two LPG-fueled Teletruk models in 2025: the TLT 25 LPG (5,500 lbs) and TLT 30 LPG (6,600 lbs).
Other Major Brands: Baoli, Jungheinrich, Komatsu, Heli, Noblelift, and Clark.
How Much Does an LPG Forklift Cost?
Condition & Capacity Price Range (USD)
New (3-Ton) $28,000 – $36,000
New (5-Ton) $39,000 – $48,000
Used (2–5 yrs, 3-Ton) $15,000 – $24,000
Used (2–5 yrs, 5-Ton) $22,000 – $32,000
Entry-Level (Basic 3-Ton) ~$3,850 (from Chinese manufacturers)
Used (Serviceable Condition) $9,000 – $25,000 (varies by age, hours, brand)
Cost Drivers: Mast height (e.g., 6m reach adds $6k–$8k), hydraulic attachments (side-shifters add $1.5k–$3k), and emission certifications like EPA Tier 4 (adds 8–12%).
How Much Does an LPG Forklift Weigh?
The weight of an LPG forklift varies significantly by model and capacity:
Model / Capacity Weight (lbs / kg)
Cat GP series (1.5–3.5t) 5,490 – 10,207 lbs (2,490 – 4,630 kg)
Clark CMP20 (4,000 lb) 7,747 lbs (3,514 kg)
Hyster S2.0FT (4,409 lb) 7,838 lbs (3,555 kg)
HL FLG20 (2t) 3,320 kg
JAC 2.5T 3,800 kg
FL35 (3.5t) 4,775 kg
Toyota 50-8FG (13,500–17,500 lb) 18,720 – 22,180 lbs (8,491 – 10,061 kg)
Liugong CLG2040H/L (3.636t) 6.45t
Pros & Cons of LPG Forklifts
Advantages:
Fast Refueling: Swapping an LPG cylinder takes less than 5 minutes, compared to 8 hours to recharge an electric forklift.
Continuous Power: LPG forklifts can maintain 100% power throughout the day and can push heavy loads on gradients faster and longer than electric models.
Lower Initial Cost: LPG forklifts are generally less expensive to purchase than electric or diesel alternatives.
Versatility: They perform well in both indoor (with ventilation) and outdoor applications.
Cleaner than Diesel: LPG produces about 20% lower CO2 emissions than diesel.
Disadvantages:
Emissions: LPG forklifts produce carbon monoxide and are subject to OSHA ventilation requirements (29 CFR 1910.178(i)) for indoor use.
Higher Fuel Costs: Propane tends to be more expensive than electricity over time.
Fuel Storage: Requires certified LPG tanks stored upright, 3m from ignition sources.
Maintenance & Safety
Proper maintenance is critical for LPG forklifts:
Daily Checks: Inspect the LPG cylinder, regulator, and hoses for leaks. Test brakes, steering, lights, and horn.
Before Servicing: Shut off the tank fuel valve, run the engine until it stops, and disconnect the tank from the hose.
Safety: Always wear leather gloves when changing LPG fuel tanks. Avoid skin contact with liquid propane as it may cause frostbite.
Maintenance Intervals: Typically every 250-500 operating hours for oil, spark plugs, filters, and fuel system components.
LPG vs. Electric vs. Diesel
Factor LPG Forklift Electric Forklift Diesel Forklift
Emissions Produces CO (needs ventilation) Zero tailpipe emissions High emissions (outdoor only)
Refuel/Recharge ~5 minutes 8 hours (lead-acid) ~5 minutes
Initial Cost Lower Higher Medium
Operating Cost $8-$12/hour (fuel) Lower (electricity cheaper) Higher than LPG
Indoor Use Yes (with ventilation) Yes (preferred) No (outdoor only)
Best For Mixed indoor/outdoor, multi-shift Warehouses, clean environments Construction, outdoor heavy loads
In short, LPG forklifts offer fast refueling, lower upfront costs, and versatility for mixed indoor/outdoor operations. They range from compact 1.5-ton models to heavy-duty 17,500 lb machines, with new prices from $28,000 to $48,000 and used from $9,000 to $32,000. Weights vary from approximately 5,500 lbs for smaller models to over 22,000 lbs for large units. While they require ventilation for indoor use and have higher fuel costs than electric alternatives, they remain a practical choice for operations requiring continuous power across multiple shifts.