In this guide, we explain what LPG forklifts are, their main advantages and disadvantages, how they compare with electric and diesel models, and the types of businesses they are best suited to.
An LPG forklift is a forklift truck powered by liquefied petroleum gas, commonly shortened to LPG.
The fuel is normally stored in a removable cylinder mounted on the rear of the forklift. The LPG feeds an internal combustion engine which powers the truck in much the same way as petrol or diesel powers other vehicles.
You may also hear LPG forklifts described as:
These terms generally refer to the same type of forklift.
LPG forklifts are available in a wide range of lifting capacities, configurations and mast heights, making them suitable for everything from general warehouse work to loading vehicles and handling heavier materials.
There are several reasons why businesses continue to choose LPG forklifts.
One of the biggest advantages of an LPG forklift is consistent performance throughout the working day.
Unlike a battery-powered forklift, there is no gradual reduction in available battery charge. Once the LPG cylinder becomes empty, it can normally be replaced with a full cylinder and the truck can return to work relatively quickly.
This can be particularly useful for businesses operating long shifts or environments where forklifts are used continuously.
Replacing an LPG cylinder is generally much quicker than waiting for a conventional forklift battery to recharge.
Businesses with spare LPG cylinders available can keep downtime relatively low, which makes LPG forklifts well suited to busy operations where equipment availability is important.
Appropriate procedures should always be followed when changing LPG cylinders, including carrying out the change in a suitably ventilated area and away from sources of ignition.
LPG forklifts are commonly used in operations that require trucks to move between warehouse and yard environments.
For example, a forklift may collect goods inside a warehouse before travelling outside to load a lorry.
This versatility can make LPG attractive to businesses that would otherwise need different trucks for different areas.
However, LPG forklifts are powered by an internal combustion engine and produce exhaust emissions. They should not be used in confined or inadequately ventilated areas.
LPG forklifts generally provide responsive acceleration and good power delivery.
They can be particularly effective where operators are frequently:
The exact performance will depend on the model, lifting capacity and specification of the forklift.
Because LPG has been widely used in the forklift industry for many years, there is a large selection of both new and used LPG forklift trucks available.
Businesses looking for a used forklift may therefore find more choice across different:
This can make LPG particularly attractive where purchasing budget is an important consideration.
LPG forklifts are not suitable for every working environment.
Before purchasing or hiring one, businesses should consider several potential disadvantages.
Unlike electric forklifts, LPG forklifts use an internal combustion engine.
This means they produce combustion gases while operating.
The Health and Safety Executive states that lift trucks with combustion engines should not be used in confined spaces or where ventilation is inadequate. Good ventilation may also be required in other indoor working environments.
For businesses operating primarily inside enclosed warehouses, an electric forklift may therefore be a more suitable option.
Businesses using LPG forklifts need a suitable system for storing and replacing fuel cylinders.
LPG is highly flammable and heavier than air, meaning escaped gas can collect in low-lying areas.
Fuel cylinders should therefore be handled and stored in accordance with appropriate safety procedures.
This is an additional consideration compared with charging an electric forklift.
The running cost of an LPG forklift depends partly on the price of LPG.
For businesses operating a large fleet or using forklifts continuously, fuel consumption can become a significant operating cost.
It is therefore important to compare the total cost of ownership rather than simply looking at the purchase price of the forklift.
Because an LPG forklift has an internal combustion engine, it contains more mechanical components than a typical electric forklift.
Regular forklift servicing is therefore important.
Maintenance may include checks and replacement of items associated with the engine, ignition system, cooling system and LPG fuel system.
A well-maintained forklift should also operate more efficiently and safely.
They can be used in some indoor environments, but ventilation is an important consideration.
LPG forklifts still produce exhaust emissions, including potentially harmful combustion products.
The suitability of an LPG truck therefore depends on factors including:
Businesses should assess the working environment properly rather than assuming an LPG forklift is automatically suitable simply because it is commonly used inside warehouses.
Forklifts with internal combustion engines should not be used in confined spaces or areas where there is inadequate ventilation.
For enclosed indoor operations where emissions are a major concern, an electric forklift may be the better choice.
Electric forklifts have become increasingly popular, particularly for indoor warehouse applications.
There are advantages to both types.
Modern lithium-ion electric forklifts have also reduced some of the traditional disadvantages associated with battery charging, making electric trucks an increasingly strong alternative to LPG.
The right option therefore depends on how and where the forklift will actually be used.
Diesel forklifts are typically associated with demanding outdoor applications.
They can provide substantial power and are available in high lifting capacities, making them suitable for industries including construction, timber, manufacturing and heavy materials handling.
LPG forklifts can offer greater versatility where trucks regularly move between indoor and outdoor environments.
As a broad guide:
LPG may suit: warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturers and mixed indoor/outdoor operations.
Diesel may suit: yards, construction sites and demanding outdoor applications.
Again, the correct choice depends on working conditions, load requirements and the specification of the truck.
There is no single answer because fuel consumption varies considerably.
Factors affecting LPG consumption include:
A forklift working continuously with heavy loads will use considerably more fuel than one used occasionally for light warehouse duties.
If fuel consumption is an important factor, it is worth discussing your expected operating pattern with an experienced forklift supplier before choosing a truck.
The total running cost of an LPG forklift includes more than just the fuel.
Businesses should consider:
A cheaper forklift is not necessarily cheaper to operate over several years.
The condition and specification of a used forklift can be particularly important. A well-maintained machine with the correct capacity and mast configuration may represent better value than simply choosing the lowest purchase price.
An LPG forklift can be particularly suitable when a business needs a flexible truck capable of carrying out a variety of tasks.
Typical applications include:
They are especially useful where a truck needs to move regularly between indoor and outdoor areas.
There are situations where another type of forklift may be more appropriate.
An electric forklift may be preferable where:
A diesel forklift may be more appropriate where:
Choosing a forklift based purely on fuel type is therefore rarely the best approach.
The capacity, mast, lift height, dimensions, tyres and working environment are just as important.
Both can make sense depending on your requirements.
A new LPG forklift may provide:
A used LPG forklift can offer:
When buying used, the condition and maintenance history of the truck are particularly important.
Buyers should consider the truck’s:
The truck should also be appropriate for the loads and environment in which it will be used.
There is no single forklift that suits every operation.
For some businesses, an LPG forklift provides an excellent combination of performance, convenience and versatility. For others, an electric or diesel model will be the better long-term choice.
Premier Lift Trucks supplies a wide range of new and used LPG forklift trucks, alongside electric and diesel models.
Our team can help you compare the available options based on your required lifting capacity, working environment, operating hours and budget.
If you are looking for an LPG forklift for sale, speak to Premier Lift Trucks or view our current range of gas and LPG forklift trucks.
