Forklift propane tank: All you need to know

Reading Time: 3 minutes 5 seconds

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Forklift propane tank accessories
3. What size is a forklift propane tank
4. Forklift propane tank material
5. Our recommendation
6. Takeaways

Summary

This article discusses forklift propane tanks. You will learn their construction, available sizes, weights, and cost.

Introduction

Propane-run forklifts are nothing new. They are a great choice for businesses that need a dependable and durable forklift. One of the greatest advantages of propane-run forklifts is that there is no charging involved like electric forklifts. As soon as the fuel is finished, you can refuel it almost instantly and continue your work. And this is possible because of the propane tanks. Forklift propane tanks are easy to use and replace. Whenever a propane tank is empty, you can easily replace it with a full tank and resume your work.

Figure: A propane-run forklift

Forklift propane tank accessories

A propane forklift tank has several parts and accessories. To handle the tanks safely, you should know all the parts and their respective functions. They are as follows:

• Fill Valve
• Spit Valve
• Float Gauge
• Relief Valve
• Shut-off Valve
• Forklift Connection/ Adapter

Figure: propane tank accessories

Fill Valve: This valve fills the tank with propane from a fixed tank or a supply truck. It is used every time the tank is filled.

Spit Valve: It is also known as 80% Stop Bleeder. It is a safety device needed during refilling. The Spit Valve spits liquid propane when the tank is refilled over 80%. It tells the technician that the tank is full to its maximum capacity.

Float Gauge: The Float Gauge indicates how much propane is left in the tank. It doesn't show the exact volume of gas, but it gives you a good idea. Its main component is a mechanical ball that floats on the liquid inside. The gauge dial outside moves the ball goes down or up. The gauge is mostly color-coded levels showing safe, under-fill, and over-fill.

Figure: Propane tank float gauges

Relief Valve: The Pressure Relief Valve is another safety device that releases excess propane. Sometimes tanks are overfilled during refilling. This relief valve helps the pressure stay within safe limits by releasing extra propane. It also kicks in when tank pressure increases too much due to high temperature.

Shut-off Valve: Shut-off Valve regulates propane flow to your forklift engine. This valve must be closed while changing the propane tank. It is also called Propane Regulator or Service Valve.

Forklift Propane Tank Adapter: The Forklift Propane Tank Adapter or the Propane Tank Connector is the connection that connects to the forklift fuel hose.

Figure: Forklift Propane Tank Adapter

What size is a forklift propane tank

Forklift propane tanks are mostly available in two sizes:

• 8-gallon or 33 pounds
• 10-gallon or 43 pounds

8-gallon tans are used in 90% of the forklifts. The 10-gallon tanks are used only in bigger, heavy-duty forklifts.

Forklift propane tank material

Forklifts use three types of propane tanks:

• Steel propane tank
• Aluminum propane tank
• Fiberglass propane tank

Steel tanks are the cheapest one among these three. However, they are the heaviest and are most durable. Thye can easily handle dings and hard impacts. However, steel propane tanks are considerably heavier than the rest two. Carrying around an extra 10-15 pounds costs extra fuel. Also, replacing a steel tank is inconvenient for the operator.

Fiberglass propane tanks are relatively newer. They weigh almost half as steel tanks but are not nearly as durable. They are vulnerable to punctures. However, unlike steel and aluminum tanks, they do not explode when on fire.

Figure: A steel propane tank (left) and a fiberglass propane tank (right)

Here is a table with the typical price and weight of these tanks:

Please watch this video that explains the difference between these three types of tanks.

Our recommendation

If you own a propane-run forklift, the propane tank is a very crucial part of it. Selecting the correct propane tank and monitoring the accessories is part of proper forklift operation. We recommend using good-quality propane tanks and accessories for your safety.

Are you looking for accessories for your propane forklift? Lift Parts Warehouse offers the best quality propane tanks, tank parts, and accessories at a reasonable price. Order now and enjoy same-day shipping and 100% guaranteed fitting!

Takeaways

• Propane-run forklifts use easily replaceable propane tanks
• Propane tanks have many mountings and accessories for safety and operation
• Forklifts normally use 8-gallon and sometimes 10-gallon tanks
• These tanks can be made of Steel, Aluminum, or Fiberglass