Benefits of Propane Powered Forklifts

You have a lot of options when shopping for a forklift. You’ve got your quiet, zippy electric forklifts. You’ve got your hefty, rugged diesel models. But don’t overlook the propane powered forklift, also known as an LP (liquid petroleum) gas forklift.

Here are a few reasons to give them a look.

• They’re versatile. Unlike diesel forklifts, which largely aren’t safe to use indoors due to their noise and toxic fumes, and electric models which aren’t good in rain or snow or on rough terrain, propane powered forklifts strike a happy medium, making them good for both indoor and outdoor use. 
• They have a lower starting cost. With propane powered forklifts, only the investment of propane tanks and their storage area is needed to operate the unit. Gasoline, diesel, and CNG (compressed natural gas) powered forklifts are usually purchased when refilling stations are conveniently available. The infrastructure for these stations, however, can be very expensive if they don’t already exist at your facility. Electric forklifts save on fuel cost, but to keep them going you need to have multiple batteries charging. These batteries also take up additional space in a facility, reducing efficiencies and increasing operating costs compared to keeping a small number of propane tanks on hand.
• They’re easy and quick to refuel. When a LP gas forklift runs out of fuel it does not require a long charging period. A worker can easily replace the propane tank in around 5 minutes and then go on with his or her work. Gasoline, diesel, and CNG powered forklifts can also be refueled in a matter of minutes, but this depends on their proximity to the fueling station, which obviously is not portable. These considerations tend to be especially important with multi-shift operations, in which forklifts are used for very long stretches, or perpetually.
   

If you’re interested in propane forklift rentals or sales and would like an on-site demonstration, come and talk to us at Ring Power Lift Trucks. For 60 years, our locally-owned and operated business has provided superior products and the newest technology in forklift vehicles, meeting or exceeding our customers’ expectations. With 14 convenient locations throughout Florida, Ring Power Corporation has become one of the largest Caterpillar® dealers in the Southeastern United States because of our dedication to customer service. Whether you need to buy a new or used forklift, or you’d prefer a short-term or long-term forklift rental, we’re here for you. We also supply forklift parts and service in north and central Florida for every make and model of forklift. Call 877.544.5438 or visit our website for more information.