23 Apr Ultimate Guide to Gas Powered Forklifts

Gas powered forklifts, or LPG forklifts, are a versatile and necessary tool for a wide range of businesses.

Internal combustion engines, which commonly run on propane, natural gas, or diesel, power these machines.

They are an excellent alternative to both diesel and electric counterbalance forklifts for a wide range of materials handling applications.

Furthermore, they actually provide the best of both worlds without the main disadvantages of either.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a gas-powered forklift, you should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this sort of equipment, as well as the numerous alternatives available on the market.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about gas powered forklifts in this comprehensive guide, from how they function to how to choose the best one for your needs.

So, let’s get started and investigate the world of gas-powered forklifts!

How do gas powered forklifts work?

The forklift’s gas comes from a pressurised, self-contained tank that is easily refilled and interchangeable and is generally located at the back of the machine,

When you operate the forklift, propane or gas is transported from the tank to the engine, where it is depressurised, converting the gas into vapour.

The flow of this gas vapour is controlled by a throttle.

To ensure safe and efficient operation, gas powered forklifts must be properly maintained and cared for.

Regular inspections, repairs, and replacements of worn or damaged equipment, as well as proper refuelling and fuel handling, are all part of this.

Overall, gas-powered forklifts are a powerful and versatile alternative for enterprises that need to move big equipment.

Benefits of gas powered forklifts

There are many!

Cost, power and efficiency, they might improve your materials handling business in all these ways.

Check them out below.

Performance

Gas-powered forklifts have great horsepower and torque, allowing them to carry heavy loads swiftly and effectively.

This makes them an excellent solution for enterprises that demand a lot of heavy lifting and transporting.

Versatility

Gas powered forklifts can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, making them an adaptable alternative for enterprises with a wide range of requirements.

They are a popular choice for construction sites, warehouses, and other industrial areas since they can endure rugged terrain, uneven surfaces, and bad weather.

Bang for Buck

Gas-powered forklifts are often less expensive than electric or diesel-powered forklifts, making them an economical solution for small firms.

They are also less expensive to maintain than diesel-powered forklifts since they do not require the same level of emissions control equipment.

Ease of refuelling

Forklifts powered by gas can be refuelled fast and easily, usually in a matter of minutes.

This results in less downtime for your equipment and higher output for your company.

Less Carbon Impact

While gas-powered forklifts produce emissions, they are often cleaner than diesel-powered forklifts.

They also have a lesser carbon impact than electric forklifts, which are powered by electricity generated from fossil fuels.

In some situations, using gas-powered forklifts may also qualify a company for tax rebates or other clean energy incentives.

Types of Gas Powered Forklifts

There are various types of gas powered forklifts available, particularly with brands like Hyundai Materials Handling.

Below are some worth knowing about.

Internal Combustion (IC) Cushion Tire Forklifts

These forklifts are intended for inside operation on flat surfaces and are suitable for warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing.

They come in a variety of lifting capacities and have a compact design for agility in small places.

IC Pneumatic Tire Forklifts

These forklifts are suited for applications such as construction, lumber yards, and shipping yards, and are built for outside operation on rough or uneven ground.

They come in a variety of lifting capacities and have a sturdy design for handling high loads in harsh locations.

IC Container Handlers

These forklifts are specifically built for handling shipping containers and are perfect for usage in ports, freight terminals, and warehouses.

They are available in a variety of lifting capacities and feature a particular design for transporting containers safely and efficiently.

IC Reach Trucks

Suited for high-density warehousing applications such pallet racking, order picking, and storage.

They have a narrow shape that allows them to manoeuvre in narrow corridors and can carry goods to great heights.

Hyundai’s gas-powered forklifts are all constructed with high-quality components and innovative technology to ensure dependable and efficient operation.

They are also built with features like ergonomic controls, adjustable seats, and advanced safety systems in mind for operator comfort and safety.

For more information on the different types of forklifts, check out our blog on the 3 Different Types of Forklift here. 

Fuelling and Refuelling Gas Powered Forklifts

Fuelling up gas-powered forklifts necessitates proper fuel handling and storage to maintain worker safety and prevent workplace accidents.

• When refuelling, turn off the engine and slowly open the fuel tank cap to enable any pressure to escape.
• It is critical to use the proper type of fuel and prevent overfilling the tank.
• Spills and leaks should be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid fire threats or environmental harm.
• Fuel tanks should be stored in a secure position away from sources of heat or ignite, and they should be inspected on a regular basis for signs of damage or wear.
• It is also critical to follow any special refuelling protocols provided by the manufacturer to guarantee safe and efficient operation.

Safety Tips with Gas Powered Forklifts

Safety should be a major focus when operating gas-powered forklifts to avoid workplace accidents and injuries.

Below are some non-negotiables to follow when it comes to safety.

• Operators should be properly trained and certified to guarantee that they are familiar with the equipment and understand proper safety protocols.
• Before each use, inspect the forklift and report any concerns or malfunctions to a supervisor.
• Operators should always wear adequate personal protection equipment, such as a hard hat and safety shoes, when operating the forklift.
• To avoid collisions or mishaps, forklifts should never be handled near edges or ramps, and operators should be aware of their surroundings at all times.
• Forklifts should be carefully loaded and emptied to avoid tipping or overloading. Operators can ensure safety by following proper safety procedures and rules.

For more forklift safety tips, check out our blog on Top Tips to Forklift Safety right here.

How to Maintain Your Gas Powered Forklift

Gas powered forklifts must be serviced and repaired on a regular basis to ensure their safe and efficient operation in the workplace.

It is critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and perform regular inspections to discover any flaws or possible problems. T

his may entail inspecting brakes, tires, and steering components, as well as cleaning or replacing air filters.

Only qualified technicians who are experienced with gas powered forklifts and the individual components involved should undertake repairs.

When repairing or replacing components, it is critical to utilise genuine replacement parts and to follow proper safety practices.

Regular maintenance and repair can assist extend the life of gas powered forklifts while also ensuring their safe and dependable functioning in the workplace.

Gas Powered Forklifts versus Diesel/Electric forklifts

Gas powered forklifts provide various advantages over other types of forklifts, but there are also drawbacks to consider.

Gas powered forklifts have a greater upfront cost and require more maintenance than electric forklifts due to their combustion engines.

Gas forklifts, on the other hand, have a longer lifespan and may work for extended periods of time without needing to be refuelled. They also have more horsepower and are more suited for outside operation, where electric forklifts may be restricted.

Gas forklifts are easier on the environment and are often quieter than diesel forklifts.

Diesel forklifts, on the other hand, offer a higher fuel efficiency and can run in a wider temperature range.

When deciding between gas, electric, and diesel forklifts, examine the specific needs of the workplace, which is crucial when investing in a forklift.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, gas powered or LPG forklifts can offer a lot of benefits to its operator and the overall business.

But before you invest, don’t forget to consider all the factors in terms of safety, maintenance, performance and the environment of which it will be operating.

Masterlift, in association with Hyundai, have the best machines on the market and our repair and maintenance service is second to none.

So check out our website for more information on the models of gas powered forklifts or get in touch HERE or below.