Choosing the Right Equipment

Choosing between Electric vs Diesel Access Equipment can make a significant difference to productivity, safety and operating costs. Both have their advantages, but the right choice depends on your work environment, site conditions and the demands of the job.

Whether you’re hiring equipment for a short-term project or investing in machinery for ongoing use, understanding the differences will help you make a more informed decision.

Electric Access Equipment: Clean, Quiet and Efficient

Electric access equipment is widely used across construction, warehousing, facilities management and maintenance. Powered by rechargeable batteries, electric scissor lifts and boom lifts offer quiet operation and zero exhaust emissions at the point of use, making them particularly well suited to indoor environments such as warehouses, shopping centres and commercial buildings.

Electric machines also generally have fewer engine-related maintenance requirements and can offer lower energy costs than diesel alternatives. Their smooth, precise controls are particularly useful when working in confined spaces or around existing infrastructure. However, operating costs depend on the machine, workload and charging arrangements, while battery runtime and available charging facilities need to be considered when planning longer shifts.

Although many electric machines are designed for smooth, level surfaces, specialised rough-terrain electric models are available for outdoor applications. Suitability depends on the individual machine’s specifications, including ground conditions, wind ratings and operating limitations.

Explore Ausdirect Hire’s electric scissor lifts for a range of access solutions.

Diesel Access Equipment: Built for Demanding Conditions

Diesel-powered access equipment remains a popular choice for construction, infrastructure and industrial projects, particularly where outdoor conditions are challenging or reliable charging facilities are unavailable. Many diesel scissor lifts and boom lifts are designed for rough terrain, with selected models offering features such as four-wheel drive, oscillating axles and stabilising systems.

Diesel machines can be practical for extended operating periods, as refuelling is generally quicker than conventional battery recharging. They are also available in configurations offering substantial working heights, outreach and platform capacities. However, these capabilities depend on the individual model rather than its power source alone. Modern electric equipment can offer comparable performance in many applications.

The main considerations with diesel equipment are noise, fuel consumption, engine maintenance and exhaust emissions, including carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants. Diesel machines are generally better suited to outdoor or appropriately ventilated environments, with any indoor use requiring careful assessment and effective exposure controls.

Explore Ausdirect Hire’s rough-terrain scissor lifts and boom lifts for demanding access applications.

Electric vs Diesel: How Do They Compare?

Consideration	Electric	Diesel
Indoor operation	Generally well suited	Limited by exhaust and ventilation requirements
Outdoor operation	Suitable models available	Commonly suited to outdoor applications
Rough terrain	Available on selected models	Widely available
Noise	Generally quieter	Generally louder
Exhaust emissions	Zero at point of use	Produces exhaust emissions
Runtime	Battery and workload dependent	Fuel capacity and workload dependent
Refuelling or charging	Requires charging time	Generally quick to refuel
Maintenance	Typically fewer engine-related requirements	Requires engine and fuel-system servicing
Operating costs	Potentially lower energy costs	Fuel and engine maintenance costs

While power source is an important consideration, it’s only one part of selecting the right machine. Working height, horizontal outreach, platform capacity, machine dimensions, ground-bearing pressure and site access can be equally important.

Regardless of power source, access equipment must be selected for the task and operating environment. Ground stability, wind ratings, overhead hazards and proximity to electrical services all need to be assessed. Operators must receive appropriate training, and operating a boom-type elevating work platform with a boom length of 11 metres or more generally requires a high-risk work licence in Australia.

For further guidance, refer to Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: Elevating Work Platforms.

Which Access Equipment Is Right for Your Job?

The working environment is often the deciding factor. In warehouses and distribution centres, electric scissor lifts are commonly used for racking installation, stock management and maintenance, where compact dimensions, low noise and zero exhaust emissions are particularly valuable. Similarly, electric equipment is often preferred for commercial fit-outs, shopping centres and maintenance within occupied buildings.

For outdoor construction, infrastructure and industrial projects, diesel rough-terrain scissor lifts and boom lifts may be better suited to uneven ground, extended operating periods and remote locations. However, electric rough-terrain machines can also be appropriate where their specifications meet the site’s requirements, particularly when noise and emissions need to be minimised.

Ultimately, the best choice is determined by the specific task rather than the power source alone. Assessing the working environment, equipment capabilities and operating requirements together will help ensure the machine is suitable, safe and cost-effective.

What About Hybrid Access Equipment?

The choice isn’t always limited to electric or diesel. Hybrid access equipment combines battery-powered operation with an onboard combustion engine or generator, offering additional flexibility for projects involving different working environments.

Depending on the model, a hybrid boom lift may operate on battery power in noise-sensitive areas, with an engine available to recharge the batteries or support operation when required. This can be useful on sites with changing conditions or limited charging infrastructure. However, hybrid machines are not automatically suitable for enclosed spaces, as exhaust emissions and ventilation requirements still apply whenever the combustion engine is operating.

Ausdirect Hire offers a range of scissor lifts and boom lifts, including electric, diesel and hybrid options.

Hiring or Buying: What Should You Consider?

Choosing the right power source matters whether you’re hiring access equipment for a specific project or purchasing machinery for regular use. Hiring equipment provides flexibility and avoids the upfront cost of ownership, while purchasing equipment may offer longer-term value for businesses with consistent requirements and high utilisation.

In either case, consider working height, platform capacity, outreach, terrain, access restrictions, operating hours and available charging or refuelling facilities. The aim is to select equipment that meets the job’s requirements without unnecessary cost or complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can electric scissor lifts be used outdoors?

Yes, provided the machine is specifically rated for outdoor use and site conditions are appropriate. Some electric scissor lifts are designed for indoor use only, while others can operate outdoors or on rough terrain. Always check the manufacturer’s wind ratings, ground requirements and operating limitations.

Are diesel scissor lifts suitable for indoor use?

Diesel scissor lifts are generally better suited to outdoor or appropriately ventilated environments because their engines produce harmful exhaust emissions. Indoor use requires a thorough assessment of ventilation and exposure risks, with effective controls in place. Battery-electric equipment is usually the more practical choice for enclosed workplaces.

Is electric or diesel access equipment cheaper to operate?

Electric equipment can offer lower energy and routine maintenance costs, particularly with frequent use and convenient charging. Diesel equipment may be more practical where long operating hours, remote locations or rapid refuelling are priorities. Overall costs depend on the machine, hire or purchase price, utilisation and operating conditions.

Find the Right Access Equipment with Ausdirect Hire

There’s no single answer to whether electric or diesel access equipment is better. The right choice comes down to the job, the site and the performance you need.

Ausdirect Hire offers electric, diesel and hybrid access equipment for a wide range of applications, with options to hire or buy. Whether you’re planning an upcoming project or investing in equipment for your business, our team can help you identify a suitable solution.

Talk to Ausdirect Hire about your equipment requirements and keep your next project moving.