Propane Forklifts
Other than the inconvenience 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 cost compared to electric and diesel lift trucks. The debate to whether or not the propane emissions are cleaner than diesel emissions continues in the business.
The propane lift truck performs better compared to the majority of electric units available on the market today on tasks that require constant duty drive line torque and high applications. There are some 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. So long as WorkSafeBC criteria are met, propane forklifts are acceptable for the majority of indoor applications.
The Disadvantages of LPG Propane Forklifts
The LPG's major disadvantages when compare to the diesel forklift includes the fact that they are not as effective when performing jobs that require high and or constant duty drive line torque. These units have a liability exposure, due to the possibility of a fuel system leak whilst the truck is situated indoors. Moreover, operators need to be trained on the safe handling of propane fuel. The rearward visibility off of the counterweight's back end is restricted. This is due to the location of the propane tank.
The cost of fuel is higher with propane units when compared to the diesel model. Because of the frequency at which the propane tanks are changed, there are possible injuries which might occur. Unless a place has a bulk fill station, propane may need to be changed every six hours of use. Propane lift trucks can be trickier to start and run smoothly when they are used in cold temperatures. In remote places, propane fuel is not always readily available. In the next few decades, the fossil fuel cost is estimated to rise significantly. Consider and plan for overall cost or repair and maintenance, as well as the entire cost of ownership to be the highest of the 3 options.
Depending on what your particular applications are, there is certainly a possibility that the LPG forklift models would be ideal for you. It is better to take into account your particular lifting needs and loads along with the kinds of environments you will be using the machine in order to be sure that you buy the best unit to meet all your needs.