Why Are Propane Forklifts Better Than Electric?

Written on: February 6, 2023

Propane helps your forklift operation succeed

If you’re considering propane-powered equipment for your forklift operations, it makes sense to take a good, hard look at how propane forklifts stack up against electric forklifts. At Georgia Gas Distributors, we keep businesses across Metro Atlanta running smoothly with reliable propane service for forklift operations of all sizes. Read on to learn about how we can help take your business to the next level with propane for your forklifts, since propane beats electric in all the ways that matter most to you.

How do propane forklifts compare with electric machinery?

Propane offers a range of advantages over electric forklifts that can help your forklift operations succeed. Compared with their electric counterparts, propane-powered forklifts prove to be —

• Safer. Propane forklifts offer a safety-focused automatic shut-off feature on heavy-duty sealed fuel cylinders. Plus, when safety protocols and regulations are followed, propane forklifts are safe to use both indoors and outside.
• Less expensive. Propane-powered forklifts cost less to maintain than gasoline or diesel models. They also generate less wear-and-tear and, as a result, fewer engine deposits. This means propane forklift engines will often have a much longer life span than electric or other types of forklifts.
• More efficient. When an electric forklift’s battery is drained, it can take up to eight hours to be recharged, leaving you without that forklift for up to a full shift, since the forklift can’t operate while the battery is charging. Charging stations take up space and cost a lot of money. Plus, if an unexpected power outage takes place, your business could experience unnecessary — and avoidable — delays. On the other hand, when you need to refuel a propane forklift, all you have to do is replace the empty cylinder with a full one.
• Stronger. Propane forklifts run at 100% power until the propane cylinder is empty. Electric forklifts lose power as the battery drains. Propane forklifts work better on inclines, and their ability to push heavy loads at full capacity lasts longer. Perhaps most importantly, they also are faster. Electric forklifts reach 8 to 9 miles per hour, whereas the usual range of propane forklifts is 9.5 to 10.5 mph. Propane also has a higher-octane rating than gasoline (114–112 versus 87–92) and generates greater horsepower. You can use a propane forklift anywhere on your property – no matter how far away it is from its refueling station. If your propane forklift runs out of power, you can take a cylinder to it, exchange tanks, and you’re operating again. When an electric forklift runs out of power too far away from its recharging unit to be plugged in, the forklift has to be lifted and moved back to the recharging station, where it has to be totally recharged. The forklift is out of commission the entire time – from when it ran out of power until totally recharged.
• Better for the environment and your employees. Businesses choose propane forklifts for their indoor operations because of the low emissions. Electric forklifts are inefficient outdoors and can’t operate in some conditions, like when it’s wet. Gasoline-powered forklifts can’t be used indoors. Propane can do it all, indoors or out!

Let us help your business succeed with propane forklifts

Are you looking for propane services that you can trust to safely and dependably power your commercial forklifts? Family owned and operated since 1957, Georgia Gas Distributors is proud to help businesses put their propane-fueled forklifts to work and get the job done. Whether you need cylinder exchange service or propane delivery, we’re here for you. Our friendly, responsive staff has you covered and is always available to answer your questions.

From Cherokee County to Fayette County, and Douglas County to Gwinnett County, Georgia Gas Distributors is here to serve your forklift-fueling needs! Contact us with your questions or get a quote today!