Discussion:
Propane Forks

Fork Rookie here.
I have two Facialities in Canada that I have just taken over management for. Forks are not my strength
initial research shows... far lower cap and operating cost for propane vs. electric
One is a Food warehouse and the other is a food Manufacturing Plant
Both have all electric forks.
Any insights on Propane forks..... rules, regs, productivity, legislation in these environments would be appreciated ,
  • Posted 23 Jun 2007 00:02
  • Discussion started by rick_b
  • Ontario, Canada
Showing items 1 - 5 of 5 results.
reading the comments so far, in the UK an LPG truck fitted with a 3-way cat converter can be used in sensitive areas. The other benefit of LPG is that the downtime is far less. However, there's no statistics to prove this. I've been looking for running cost comparisons of a like for like electric and IC (LPG) truck over the same period of time, undertaking the exact same tasks to see which is really the best to choose.
  • Posted 16 Aug 2007 02:36
  • Reply by neil_c
  • County Mayo, Ireland
You may also want to consider the health risk to your personel working in an area operating IC (internal combustion) trucks. Some Provences require when operating an IC truck in an inclosed facility either the vehicle or the area must be monitored at all times for CO emmisions. You may also want to check with your insurance broker as there can be majior cost differences which would have to be added into the cost of ownership of IC trucks.
  • Posted 14 Aug 2007 09:31
  • Reply by randal_s
  • Nova Scotia, Canada
I would suppose that the fuel and electric costs vary greatly from place to place. This would be a big factor when comparing operating costs. As far as maintenance costs, the electrics are cheaper to maintain per hour of operation. They can typically run 15k to 18k hours before they are due for replacement. You very seldom get that out of a LP gas truck. Drive units and motors are easily changed on site with electric trucks. This is not so easy with an LP gas truck if you need an engine or transmission replacement. LP gas trucks can leak from the brakes, cooling system, drive axle, transmission, and hydraulic system. Electrics typically only have the brakes, drive axle or drive unit, and the hydraulic system that will leak. Many electric trucks have electric brakes which will not leak. With all forklifts, it is not a matter of if they will leak, but when.
  • Posted 6 Aug 2007 07:33
  • Modified 6 Aug 2007 07:40 by poster
  • Reply by Liftdoctor
  • Indiana, United States
I have to agree with etharp Electric trucks are the way to go no one has addmitted it yet but the new fuel laws for the emmissions that we canadians have adopted have produced some doosey ideas for the fuel systems with some yale & hyster needing special programers to check & set up the systems etc etc

In a food warehouse you cannot have these emmissions so you may as well settle for a good electric truck - Many are your choices 2 ware houes 2 kinds of trucks ??

Do you need Reach trucks sit down CB trucks or ??

If your Electrical fleet is costing more than a Propane fleet to Maintain then you have a problem they are Either Old trucks or they are not being repaired properly

Have you thought of Renting to find the truck that is the best fit for you -- Call the big boy,s in Toronto Raymond Hyster Yale & Ryder will provide you with a free evaluation seems the most logical place to start.
  • Posted 30 Jul 2007 10:50
  • Reply by FrankieW
  • British Columbia, Canada
FrankieW Technician
you need elecric in your food manufacturing plant to rule out the fumes contaminating the foodstuffs. but the warehouse should be ok for gas trucks as long as the food is totally sealed in packaging.lpg trucks will operate faster than electric trucks
  • Posted 29 Jun 2007 04:27
  • Reply by kevin_k
  • dumfriesshire, United Kingdom

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