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PROPANE FORKLIFTS
More than 500,000 forklifts are powered by propane in factories and warehouses.
- Propane is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel that can be used to safely power forklifts both indoors and outdoors. With propane, there is no spillage loss or evaporation into the atmosphere.
- Numerous resources are available to assist propane forklift operators with the safe operation and maintenance of their equipment. Click here for more information about propane forklift safety.
- Propane forklift tanks, fuel lines and carburetion components meet or exceed strict specifications. Built-in safety devices automatically shut off the flow of fuel in case of an accident.
- Propane forklifts can be used in indoor and outdoor applications. Propane is the most portable fuel. Propane cylinders can be stored and moved virtually anywhere within a work site.
- Propane forklifts maintain consistent, 100-percent power throughout operation. They have the ability to push and pull heavy loads at full capacity, up and down inclines, for a longer amount of time, and with better ground speeds than electric forklifts.
- Propane forklifts require very little refueling time compared to natural gas-powered and electric forklifts.
- Propane produces fewer engine deposits than gasoline and diesel fuel, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Propane engines can typically last up to twice as long as gasoline engines.
- Propane forklifts that are operated indoors are subject to occupational health an safety air emissions standards. Click here for more information.
There are seven classes of forklifts:
- Class 1: Electric motor, sit-down rider, counterbalanced trucks (both solid and pneumatic tires)
- Class 2: Electric motor, narrow aisle trucks (solid tires)
- Class 3: Electric motor hand trucks or hand/rider trucks (solid tires)
- Class 4: Internal combustion engine trucks (solid tires)
- Class 5: Internal combustion engine trucks (pneumatic tires)
- Class 6: Electric & internal combustion engine tractors (both solid and pneumatic tires)
- Class 7: Rough terrain forklift trucks (pneumatic tires)
Propane forklifts are primarily Class 4 and Class 5 forklifts.