What’s the difference between propane-powered forklifts and diesel?

Propane burns much cleaner (and quieter) than diesel, so propane forklifts have more options in indoor and outdoor environments. Diesel forklifts are well suited for heavy-duty outdoor jobs. Propane forklifts tend to be less expensive than diesel, which is also true of the fuel itself.

What’s the difference between propane-powered forklifts and electric?

Electric forklifts are cleaner and quieter than propane forklifts, but they are also more expensive. Propane forklifts offer consistent power levels, whereas electric forklifts see a performance decrease as the battery drains. You need to factor in space for charging stations for electric forklifts, while propane cylinders don’t occupy valuable floor space, as they are stored outdoors. Propane cylinders are also easier and faster to change than batteries. Propane forklifts are found in almost every industry because of their versatility, whereas electric forklifts are ideal for food applications.

How much does a forklift propane tank exchange cost?

It depends on propane volume and the number of cylinders you need. We can tell you that on average, propane fuel costs about 40% less than diesel, and that propane forklifts are nearly 30% less expensive than electric ones.

How long does a forklift propane cylinder last?

A propane cylinder for a forklift lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the usage of the machine. Once the propane tank is empty, switching to a full one is easy. And if you’re a part of our cylinder exchange program, you will already have fuel on hand for a quick tank changeover.

Do forklift propane tanks expire?

Yes. Propane cylinders can last for up to 27 years of use—three times longer than the average forklift battery.

Do forklift propane tanks need to be recertified?

Yes. A brand-new propane cylinder will last for 10 years before it needs to be recertified. To find out when a cylinder will expire, look on the tank collar for the manufacturer’s date and add 10 years. If the cylinder has already been recertified, there will be a code stamped into the collar; that date is the expiry date. When you rent propane cylinders from us, we manage expiration and recertification, so you don’t need to worry about it.

What size cylinder do I need for my forklift?

Most often, propane-powered forklifts need 33-pound tanks, but sometimes they call for 43-pound tanks.

Why are propane cylinders only filled up to 80%?

You can only fill a propane cylinder to 80% because the propane expands and contracts at different temperatures. It’s a safety measure. The extra space acts as a buffer for pressure build-up on hot days. A 33lb forklift tank holds 29.7 litres. For more information on propane tank safety, visit https://propane.ca/safety/handling-transporting-propane-cylinders.

How do I know if my propane gauge is reading correctly?

The collar of your propane tank has a notch that lines up with a peg sticking out from the forklift. When the tank is lying sideways, and the notch and peg are aligned, the gauge should be reading properly. Some gauges show ‘full’ to ‘empty’ and others count down by numbers.

How do I properly store forklift propane tanks?

Propane cylinders must be stored in an upright position, in a locked cage, outside. They cannot be stored near any sources of ignition. The only propane cylinders that can be indoors are the ones in use.

Where can I buy forklift propane tanks?

You can buy them from distributors—such as National Energy Equipment—or directly from manufacturers. Superior Propane doesn’t sell propane cylinders, but we do refill them. We rent our cylinders because we believe it’s easier on you if we’re responsible for replacing, re-certifying and refilling them.

What are my options for refilling propane tanks?

Superior Propane offers four propane refill options. 1. We can take empties and exchange them for full propane cylinders. Cylinders must be rented from us. 2. You can fill the cylinders yourself with a rented dispenser. Cylinders can be ours or yours. (This option requires training.) 3. Depending on your location, we can come to your site and refill the cylinders. Cylinders can be ours or yours. 4. You can come to Superior Retail Outlets, where applicable.

Can Superior work within our company policies when delivering propane?

Superior works with thousands of companies, and is able to adapt to most situations and requirements. Our drivers are extensively trained, and have safety top of mind. Our goal is to serve you the safest and best way possible.

FAQs about forklift propane

Get answers to all of your questions about propane cylinders for your forklift fleet.

What’s the difference between propane-powered forklifts and diesel?

Propane burns much cleaner (and quieter) than diesel, so propane forklifts have more options in indoor and outdoor environments. Diesel forklifts are well suited for heavy-duty outdoor jobs. Propane forklifts tend to be less expensive than diesel, which is also true of the fuel itself.

Learn more about the differences
What’s the difference between propane-powered forklifts and electric?

Electric forklifts are cleaner and quieter than propane forklifts, but they are also more expensive. Propane forklifts offer consistent power levels, whereas electric forklifts see a performance decrease as the battery drains. You need to factor in space for charging stations for electric forklifts, while propane cylinders don’t occupy valuable floor space, as they are stored outdoors. Propane cylinders are also easier and faster to change than batteries. Propane forklifts are found in almost every industry because of their versatility, whereas electric forklifts are ideal for food applications.
Read more here
How much does a forklift propane tank exchange cost?

It depends on propane volume and the number of cylinders you need. We can tell you that on average, propane fuel costs about 40% less than diesel, and that propane forklifts are nearly 30% less expensive than electric ones.
How long does a forklift propane cylinder last?

A propane cylinder for a forklift lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the usage of the machine.
Once the propane tank is empty, switching to a full one is easy. And if you’re a part of our cylinder exchange program, you will already have fuel on hand for a quick tank changeover.
Do forklift propane tanks expire?

Yes. Propane cylinders can last for up to 27 years of use—three times longer than the average forklift battery.
Do forklift propane tanks need to be recertified?

Yes. A brand-new propane cylinder will last for 10 years before it needs to be recertified. To find out when a cylinder will expire, look on the tank collar for the manufacturer’s date and add 10 years. If the cylinder has already been recertified, there will be a code stamped into the collar; that date is the expiry date.

When you rent propane cylinders from us, we manage expiration and recertification, so you don’t need to worry about it.
What size cylinder do I need for my forklift?

Most often, propane-powered forklifts need 33-pound tanks, but sometimes they call for 43-pound tanks.
Why are propane cylinders only filled up to 80%?

You can only fill a propane cylinder to 80% because the propane expands and contracts at different temperatures. It’s a safety measure. The extra space acts as a buffer for pressure build-up on hot days. A 33lb forklift tank holds 29.7 litres.
For more information on propane tank safety, visit https://propane.ca/safety/handling-transporting-propane-cylinders.
How do I know if my propane gauge is reading correctly?

The collar of your propane tank has a notch that lines up with a peg sticking out from the forklift. When the tank is lying sideways, and the notch and peg are aligned, the gauge should be reading properly. Some gauges show ‘full’ to ‘empty’ and others count down by numbers.
How do I properly store forklift propane tanks?

Propane cylinders must be stored in an upright position, in a locked cage, outside. They cannot be stored near any sources of ignition. The only propane cylinders that can be indoors are the ones in use.
Where can I buy forklift propane tanks?

You can buy them from distributors—such as National Energy Equipment—or directly from manufacturers. Superior Propane doesn’t sell propane cylinders, but we do refill them. We rent our cylinders because we believe it’s easier on you if we’re responsible for replacing, re-certifying and refilling them.
What are my options for refilling propane tanks?

Superior Propane offers four propane refill options.
1. We can take empties and exchange them for full propane cylinders. Cylinders must be rented from us.
2. You can fill the cylinders yourself with a rented dispenser. Cylinders can be ours or yours. (This option requires training.)
3. Depending on your location, we can come to your site and refill the cylinders. Cylinders can be ours or yours.
4. You can come to Superior Retail Outlets, where applicable.
Can Superior work within our company policies when delivering propane?

Superior works with thousands of companies, and is able to adapt to most situations and requirements. Our drivers are extensively trained, and have safety top of mind. Our goal is to serve you the safest and best way possible.