Propane VS Electric Forklift: Which is Better?

Here are some questions you might ask yourself before deciding which forklift to buy.

• Can you use a propane forklift in a food plant?

  Yes, provided that the facility has proper ventilation and sanitation procedures in place.

• Do electric forklift use oil?

  Electric forklifts do not use motor oil since they don’t have an internal combustion engine.

  They do, however, use hydraulic oil to lift and tilt the mast, as well as to power any other hydraulic functions like side shifters, fork positioners, and clamps.

• Can electric forklifts be used outside?

  It depends on the “International Protection” (IP) rating, which is a measure of how well a lift truck can stand up to moisture, debris, etc.

  A rating above 1, for example, means the lift truck can handle some moisture, but not a full-on rainstorm. A rating of 8 means that you can immerse the equipment in water with no ill effects.

• Is propane the same as LPG?

  Yes. Propane simply refers to the gas form, while LPG refers to the liquefied form.

• How long does a propane forklift last on 1 tank?

  A forklift propane tank can last 8 hours, depending on a few factors:

  - Intensity of work

  - Quality of maintenance

  - Capacity of the truck

  - Quality of the tires

  - Operator behavior

• How much does a propane forklift cost versus an electric forklift?

  Click here for a Forklift Cost Calculator