How does a Propane Forklift Work

The forklifts that are available in the market use gasoline, diesel, electricity, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid propane gas (LPG) etc. to power themselves. Each type of forklift has its own advantages and disadvantages. Following details will attempt to explain how a propane forklift works.

Why use Propane for Forklifts

The propane forklift has on-board tanks in which propane is stored. These tanks contain enough propane gas to last 8 hours. These tanks, when empty, can be easily removed and replaced or can be taken to to be refilled easily. On the other hand, in case of CNG-powered forklifts replenishing CNG consumes time. LPG powered engines operate at a lower temperature than CNG. In case of electric-powered forklifts, it is necessary to let the batteries cool and then recharge, which can take about 8-9 hours. Charged batteries last only for 3-6 hours, depending upon its use. A 33 lb. steel tank can hold 8 gallons of propane, enough to carry out the job at hand and much more.

Propane Forklift: How does it Work

A forklift carries load on its forks that are located in front of the carrier and which point outwards. This load may obstruct the driver's field of vision. For this reason, wheels at the rear control the steering of the forklift, thus enabling the forklift to be driven backward, while carrying load. The front wheels bear the burden of the load. Two forks stick out from the front of the forklift. These forks can be raised and lowered, and it is possible to tilt them downward or upward, as per the requirement. A hydraulic cylinder is responsible for these movements. A bar is fitted with roller chains; one end of which is attached to a frame, while the other end to a fork. The pressure applied by the hydraulic cylinder on the bar pulls or slackens the roller chains, which results in the fork's movements. When a forklift is loaded, the front wheels bear the weight. The weight of the fork itself is supported by the counterweight on-board, which keeps the fork balanced.

Propane Forklift Safety

While working indoor, a forklift is operated using solid rubber tires, which are also called cushioned tires. Pneumatic tires are used for outdoor use. They can be used on asphalt, dirt roads, and generally, for heavy loads.

Propane-powered equipment are trusted to be safe. And, it is believed that propane is a clean burning fuel. But, what if the equipment or the engine is not properly tuned or maintained. Like all internal combustion engines, propane powered engines emit carbon monoxide (CO) and corrosive oxides of nitrogen. These gases can be very harmful in confined and improperly ventilated spaces.

Propane forklifts emit less harmful gases than diesel and gasoline powered forklifts. Propane has a simple chemical structure, and being a gas it mixes well with air as compared to diesel or gasoline, and also burns at a low temperature. Corrosive oxides of nitrogen produced during combustion of propane in the engine are less than those emitted by a gasoline or diesel engine. A propane forklift's engine lasts longer than that of a gasoline or diesel powered forklift engine.

In an internal combustion engine, air is sucked into it from the surrounding area and is used to burn the fuel. A 60 hp forklift breathes in 5000 cubic feet of air per minute to operate.
It is advised to switch on a propane forklift and warm it outdoors, because emissions of carbon monoxide by a cold propane-powered engine/equipment is higher than that when it is warm.

Electric (battery)-powered forklifts cannot be used in the rain for fear of damage to batteries. An electric forklift can short out due to rain water. And, how does a propane forklift work in the rain? Propane is stored in the on-board well-sealed tanks. So, there is no chance of rain water getting in the tanks and disrupting the work. Propane forklifts are versatile as they can be used indoor and outdoor. Gasoline and diesel-powered forklifts may suffocate you with harmful gases, if they are used indoors. You can trust a well-maintained and properly tuned propane forklift to lift your load.