The Advantages of Propane Forklifts

 

Enter any industrial facility or warehouse in the United States, and chances are you’ll see propane forklifts in use. In fact, more than 670,000 propane-powered forklifts are in use in industrial, manufacturing, and construction businesses all over the country. These companies understand that propane offers several distinct advantages over diesel, gasoline, and electric forklifts in the day-to-day operations of their businesses.

What advantages? Consider these:

Long running

A propane-powered forklift’s fuel cycle allows it to operate for up to eight hours between refueling.  Electric-powered forklifts, by contrast, are only able to operate between three and six hours before requiring a recharge. Diesel and gasoline-powered forklifts are at the mercy of their fuel efficiency and tank size.

Simple refueling

Refueling a propane forklift is a simple matter of replacing the cylinder, which can be done in as little as five minutes. This is particularly important for companies that operate in shifts, as cylinders can be changed out at the end of one shift or the beginning of another, minimizing downtime.

Low emissions

Propane is listed as a “green” fuel in the Clean Air Act of 1990, largely due to its clean burning and lower carbon monoxide emissions. Vehicles fueled by propane can be operated within an enclosed area such as a warehouse or factory with lower risk for exposure to carbon monoxide.

Low maintenance

Gasoline and diesel engines are subject to damaging engine deposits, which affect fuel efficiency and mechanical operation. Propane produces fewer engine deposits, resulting in engines that require less maintenance and run longer without issues.

More power

Unlike electric forklifts, propane-powered forklifts maintain consistent power regardless of the task at hand. Whether handling heavy loads or moving materials up and down inclines, propane forklifts provide 100 percent power, consistent speed, and endurance for the job at hand.

Versatile – indoors or outdoors

Many companies choose equipment based upon its versatility in a variety of operations. A propane-powered forklift can be used indoors or outdoors and can provide consistent power and speed for every use. What’s more, the fuel cylinders can be moved or stored virtually anywhere on a job site.

Safe

As a low-emission, low-combustion fuel, propane can be safely stored and transported, and changing out a fuel cylinder on a forklift is a simple matter. The tanks, fuel lines, and carburetion components of a propane forklift meet or exceed strict specifications, and in the event of an accident, built-in safety devices automatically shut off the flow of fuel.

The aspects that make propane a safe fuel source in residential applications also apply to commercial and industrial use. Many businesses across the country rely on propane forklifts to move goods and materials safely, efficiently, and economically within their work site. When compared to gasoline, diesel, and electric forklifts, propane-powered forklifts provide substantial benefits to the companies that use them in their day-to-day operations.

A number of heavy equipment manufacturers offer propane forklifts as part of their equipment lines. For a partial listing of these manufacturers, click here.

 

 

 

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Save Money on Energy Costs With These Home Upgrades

Have you started thinking about winter yet? It might be hard to imagine ice and snow and cold winds when it’s sunny and warm outside, but winter is on its way and with it, the potential for higher energy costs.

Fortunately, you still have plenty of time to make upgrades to your home that will help reduce your energy costs in the long run. If you’d like to add a little more cash to your pocket every month, consider these cost-effective upgrades to help to make your home more energy-efficient:

Air sealing

Doors and windows are often the largest source of air seepage in a home. Sealing around windows with caulking and adding weather stripping around doors can help eliminate these common air entry ways.

Attic insulation

Adding a layer of insulation overhead in your attic can greatly increase energy efficiency and comfort levels in the living areas of your home.

Duct sealing

Up to 30 percent of the air that is circulated through your home’s duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, or poorly connected ducts. Sealing these ducts can help your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently.

Replacement windows

New vinyl replacement windows are a vast improvement over single-pane windows. As a bonus, replacement windows are easy to clean, and easy to repair if the need arises.

Fireplace inserts

While most of us enjoy the aroma and crackle of a traditional fire in a fireplace, a propane fireplace insert is far more clean and efficient in providing warmth to a home. An insert reflects more heat into the living space, while a large portion of the heat from a wood fire escapes up the chimney.

Fluorescent lighting

Fluorescent bulbs and fixtures use less energy to provide the same light output, and last longer than regular incandescent bulbs.

Propane clothes dryers

Propane-powered clothes dryers operate more efficiently than electric dryers by drying clothes more quickly. This can save up to 20 percent in energy costs.

High-efficiency propane furnace

 

FurnanceUpgrading your existing furnace to a high-efficiency propane model can provide significant cost savings over an older-model propane furnace.

Dual-fuel systems

Depending on what part of the country you live in, a dual-fuel HVAC system can provide you with cost-effective air cooling and heating all year round.

Propane tankless water heaters

Propane Furnace

A tankless water heater occupies a smaller footprint than a traditional water heater, and because it does not need to maintain a tankful of water at a specific temperature, it costs less to operate.

While you may not see a significant cost savings immediately following these upgrades, the money you invest in them will be returned to you over a period of time through lower energy usage and utility costs. Upgrades such as the ones listed above also make your home more attractive to buyers should you decide to sell.

While some of these upgrades can be relatively simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself projects, others must be done by licensed professionals and will incur additional costs. Researching your options can help you to make these energy-efficient decisions, and only you can decide which upgrades make sense for your home and your budget.

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