Propane Tanks for Forklifts

Written on: December 27, 2022

From Tank Sizes to Refills: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

propane forlifts florida Whether you need to get merchandise off trucks and onto shelves or move building materials quickly and efficiently around worksites, all kinds of businesses rely on forklifts every day.

Many of those businesses have discovered the advantages of using propane to fuel their forklifts. From powerful performance advantages to time-saving convenience and efficiency, propane for forklifts can keep your operation running smoothly, with significant savings over diesel or electricity.

3 Advantages of Propane-Powered Forklifts

  1. Power: Unlike electric forklifts, propane-powered ones will operate at 100% power if there’s propane in the cylinder. Electric forklifts, on the other hand, lose power as the battery drains. And when it’s out of power, it can take eight hours—or longer—to recharge. With a propane forklift, refueling takes minutes. All your employees must do is replace the empty cylinder with a full one, and the forklift is right back on the job.
  2. Safety: Propane forklifts are safe to use both indoors and outside. Gasoline-powered forklifts cannot be operated indoors, and electric forklifts are inefficient outdoors and can’t operate in wet conditions. That’s why the best option for top performance indoors or out is a propane forklift!
  3. Efficiency: Faster refueling means less downtime. Plus, we provide bulk propane delivery with volume discounts, making propane even more affordable! Charging stations for electric forklifts take up space and require large up-front investments. Propane-fueled forklifts also require less maintenance and downtime for repairs than gasoline or diesel-powered ones.

Propane Cylinder Basics

Most propane-fueled forklifts run off an 8-gallon (or 33-pound) propane cylinder. These usually last about eight hours, which equates to nearly a full day on the job. Larger forklifts will use a 10-gallon (43-pound) propane tank. Although they are more powerful, these forklifts are less efficient, and a 10-gallon tank lasts roughly six hours.

Cylinders are available made of both steel and aluminum, with newer, composite options also becoming more readily available. We recommend aluminum tanks for most purposes. They are much lighter, are less likely to spark if punctured, and are resistant to corrosion. The main benefit of steel and composite tanks is that they are less vulnerable to fire.

Supply and Demand of Forklift Propane Tanks

Another key benefit of propane-fueled forklifts is the convenience of having a supply of cylinders on-site and ready to go when you need them most. Pico Propane’s cylinder exchange program makes it easy! Our in-house team of professionals will evaluate your needs and set up a customized program, then set you up with sturdy, safe storage cages for your cylinders. We’ll then thoroughly train your workers in the safe handling of propane cylinders.

Ready to Learn More? Give Pico Propane a Call Today!

Our commercial propane team has the expertise to understand your specific needs and tailor a program that will grow with your business—and help your business grow, thanks to the efficiency and power or propane.

Contact us today to learn about how our propane forklift cylinder exchange can help your South Florida business.