The Fuel of Choice for Today’s Industrial Forklifts
In 1917, businesses began using the first motorized alternative to the hand truck. It ran on diesel or compressed natural gas, and its popularity grew fast—especially during the industrial boom that occurred during and immediately after World War II.
In the 1950s, forklifts started running on propane gas and since then, it’s remained a prevalent fuel for industrial lifting and moving. Propane has the power of gasoline and diesel, along with the emissions safety of electricity.
At Blue Flame, we proudly deliver forklift propane to businesses and work sites throughout Philadelphia, West Chester, Princeton, Long Branch and other communities. We can answer all your questions about how forklifts use propane and why it’s a fantastic commercial fuel!
How Propane Fuels Forklifts
Propane forklifts have engines connected to a pressurized cylinder containing liquid propane. The fuel passes into the engine, and the propane vaporizes as the pressure is relieved. A spark plug ignites the vaporized fuel. This combustion powers the pistons just like any other vehicle engine.
The standard size for most propane forklift cylinders is about 33 pounds. This size tank will generally power a forklift for eight hours, covering a worker’s entire shift.
What are Propane’s Advantages in Powering Forklifts?
Even with the advent of electric forklifts, propane remains a fuel of choice for warehouses, construction sites, and distribution centers. Here are some clear advantages that propane has over other forklift power options:
- Unlike diesel and gasoline forklifts, propane forklifts safely run indoors. They produce very few nitrogen oxides or sulfur oxides, making the air around them safe to breathe.
- Unlike electric forklifts, propane forklifts can operate outdoors in the rain.
- Propane forklifts have much more power and can drive up inclines while carrying a load.
- Electric forklifts slow down as their power runs out. Propane forklifts operate at full capacity until their last drop of fuel.
- When the cylinder runs dry on a propane forklift, all you must do is attach a new one. There’s no lost time spent charging a battery!
We Provide Propane Solutions to Keep Your Forklifts Moving!
As you can see, propane forklifts allow businesses to stay productive while maintaining safe work conditions. For a half-century, the team at Blue Flame has been delivering premium propane to homes and businesses in Southern New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
If you need dependable forklift propane for your business operation, Blue Flame offers a cylinder program that includes the following:
- Customized scheduling to get you the propane you need on your terms.
- Service agreements to meet your needs — be it long-term or month-to-month.
- On-site cylinder cages set up by our team.
- Comprehensive employee training on safe handling and other safety issues.
- Regular cylinder inspections to prevent leaks and other damage.
Our forklift cylinder program complies with all safety regulations because safety is our number one priority.
With Blue Flame’s forklift propane cylinder exchange program, you never need to worry about running out of fuel again! Contact us for more information.