Propane Forklifts
One inconvenience of propane tanks is to have to change, though there is little risk to running out of fuel on a propane lift truck. These units tend to be cheaper to utilize than the electric and diesel unit lift truck. The discussion to whether or not the propane emissions are cleaner than diesel emissions continues within the industry.
Performance wise, propane lift trucks seem to handle better compared to most electric units on the market when the task requires constant duty drive line torque and high applications. There are several electric models which are supposed to handle equally or better. Depending on the particular situation, propane lifts might or might not be suitable for handling food and edible goods. Provided that WorkSafeBC criteria are met, propane lift trucks are acceptable for most indoor use.
The Drawbacks of LPG Propane Forklifts
Several of the key disadvantages of LPG forklifts are that compared to diesel trucks include: they are not as effective in applications that require high and or constant duty drive line torque. These models have a liability exposure, due to the possibility of a fuel system leak while the truck is situated indoors. Furthermore, operators should be trained on the safe handling of propane fuel. The rearward visibility off of the back end of the counterweight is restricted. This is due to the location of the propane tank.
The cost of fuel is higher with propane models when compared to the diesel model. Due to the frequency at which the propane tanks are changed, there are possible injuries that could happen. Unless a site has a bulk fill station, propane may need to be changed every six hours of use. Propane forklifts could be more difficult to start and run smoothly when they are utilized in cold temperatures. In remote locations, propane fuel is not always available at once. Over the next few decades, the cost of fossil fuels is estimated to rise significantly. Consider and plan for overall cost or repair and maintenance, as well as the total cost of ownership to be the highest of the 3 alternatives.
There is a real possibility that the LPG forklift units would be perfect for you, but would ultimately depend on what your needs are. It is best to take into account your specific lifting needs and loads as well as the types of environments you would be operating in order to be certain that you purchase the right model to meet your needs.