Propane Forklifts
Besides the hassle of having to change the propane cylinder, there is little risk associated with running out of fuel with propane forklifts. These units are rather a bit lower in their cost than diesel and electric forklifts. The discussion to whether or not the propane emissions are cleaner compared to diesel emissions continues in the business.
The propane forklift performs better compared to the majority of electric units on the market today on tasks which need high applications and constant duty drive line torque. There are several electric models that are supposed to handle equally or better. Depending on the particular circumstances, propane lifts might or might not be acceptable for handling food and edible goods. Provided that WorkSafeBC criteria are met, propane lift trucks are suitable for most indoor applications.
The Drawbacks of LPG Propane Forklifts
The LPG's key drawbacks when compare to the diesel forklift includes the fact that they are not as effective when performing jobs which need high and or constant duty drive line torque. These models have a liability exposure, because of the possibility of a fuel system leak while the truck is located indoors. In addition, operators need to be trained on the safe handling of propane fuel. The rearward visibility off of the counterweight's back end is limited. This is due to the location of the propane tank.
In comparison to diesel and electric models, fuel cost is higher with propane models. There are possible injury claims due to the weight and frequency which propane tanks are changed; about every 6 hours of usage unless the site has a bulk fill station situated there. Propane lift trucks could be trickier to start and run smoothly when they are operating in cold temperatures. In remote locations, propane fuel is not always readily available. In the next few decades, the cost of fossil fuels is projected to rise significantly. Take into consideration and plan for overall cost or repair and maintenance, as well as the entire 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 will ultimately depend upon what your requirements are. It is better to take into consideration your specific loads and lifting requirements along with the kinds of environments you will be using the equipment in order to be sure that you purchase the right unit that will suit your needs.