Propane Forklifts
Other than the bother of having to change the propane cylinder, there are some risks connected with running out of fuel with propane forklifts. These units are rather a bit lower in their value compared to diesel and electric lift trucks. The debate to whether or not the propane emissions are cleaner than diesel emissions continues in the industry.
The propane forklift performs better compared to most electric models on the market nowadays on jobs which require high applications and constant duty drive line torque. There are some electric models that are supposed to handle better or equally. Depending on the particular situation, propane lifts may or may not be suitable for handling eligible goods and food. Provided that WorkSafeBC criteria are met, propane lift trucks are acceptable for the majority of indoor use.
The Disadvantages of LPG Propane Forklifts
Some of the major drawbacks of LPG forklifts are that compared to diesel trucks consist of: they are not as effective in applications that 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 situated indoors. In addition, operators should 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.
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 which could happen. Unless a place has a bulk fill station, propane might require to be changed every six hours of use. Propane forklifts can be more difficult to start and run smoothly when they are used in freezing temperatures. In remote locations, propane fuel is not always available at once. In the next few decades, the cost of fossil fuels is estimated to climb dramatically. Consider and plan for overall repair maintenance expenses, 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 will ultimately depend on what your requirements are. It is best to consider your specific loads and lifting requirements in addition to the types of environments you would be operating in an effort to be certain that you buy the right unit to meet your requirements.