According to a survey conducted by the Propane Education and Research Council, safety is the most important factor in purchasing equipment for industrial applications. With the proven operational safety of propane-powered forklifts, it's no surprise that propane is the fuel of choice for fleet owners. For forklifts with a capacity of 5,000-10,000 lbs, more than 70 percent of respondents chose propane.

Propane reduces refueling time

Refueling a propane forklift takes the least amount of time compared to electric and natural gas powered forklifts. Changing a propane cylinder takes 5 minutes, while recharging an electric forklift can take up to 8 hours. When you use our 24x7 forklift cylinder replacement service, you'll eliminate refueling downtime.

Propane is cost effective

Propane keeps your forklift running at 100% power throughout operation, increasing productivity, especially during outdoor operations where higher speeds are allowed. Plus, propane engines last up to twice as long as gasoline engines, saving you money on maintenance.

A 33 lb propane tank will give a typical forklift 8 hours of run time, which is less than the BTU basis of an electric forklift. In a 2005 study to determine the cost of electric versus propane as a forklift fuel source, fuel costs were confirmed to be lower when using propane. Propane costs $1.41 per hour for a forklift compared to $1.48 for electricity. This difference may seem small at first glance, but when multiplied by the thousands of hours each truck has been in operation - it adds up quickly!

The additional cost incurred by electric forklifts is attributed to the overhead equipment required for battery charging, including charging bays, chargers and equipment for removing and more large batteries. Propane-powered forklifts eliminate the need to purchase additional equipment.

propane is safe

All propane-powered forklifts have an automatic shut-off safety feature that stops the flow of fuel in the event of an accident. Additionally, all propane tanks, fuel lines and carburetor components must meet strict national safety codes.

Propane reduces on-site emissions

Propane is a clean burning, non-toxic fuel source. Studies have shown that a properly maintained propane-powered forklift produces significantly less carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions than comparable gasoline- or diesel-powered forklifts. This secondary source of pollution is eliminated because propane-powered forklifts deliver the fuel in a pressure-sealed system that avoids any spillage or evaporation into the atmosphere.