Why forklifts

In addition, all propane tanks, fuel lines and carburetion components are required to meet strict national safety specifications. With our cylinder exchange service, Forklift Propane eliminates the need for dispensing propane on your property which could be a potential safety hazard for you and your employees.

We carefully inspect cylinders each time they are returned to our facility for refills, remove damaged cylinders from service, and replace or repair leaky valves and O-rings. Furthermore, we provide forklift propane safety training for your employees as a part of our service. Learn more about the safety advantages of propane forklifts.

Propane is a clean-burning, non-toxic source of fuel. Research has shown that properly maintained propane-powered forklifts produce significantly less emissions in the way of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbon, and particulate matter than comparable gasoline- or diesel-powered forklifts. This secondary source of pollution is eliminated because propane-powered forklifts carry their fuel in a pressure-tight, sealed system that avoids any spillage or evaporation into the atmosphere.

A research study conducted on which forklift fuel option had the lowest emission impact found propane to deliver the highest total energy efficiency.

By switching to an environmentally friendly fuel you can also take advantage of tax credits. Increasing usage of domestically-produced propane not only decreases our dependency on foreign oil, but it also decreases the amount and cost of fuel for transporting this energy source. Because propane is the most portable forklift fuel option, the propane cylinders can be stored nearly anywhere at your place of business. Hawker batteries are also quick to recharge, especially when used with their high-frequency smart chargers.

Quick charging from Hawker batteries allows an electric forklift to be topped up during shift breaks. Spare batteries can also be changed in less time than it takes to refill the bottle or tank on an IC forklift. These green machines are easy on the environment as well as on the health and safety of workers. Electric forklifts have zero emissions. Unlike diesel, gasoline and liquid propane gas internal combustion engines, electric motors have no exhaust. There is no harmful carbon monoxide for operators or nearby workers to breathe and no carbon dioxide greenhouse gasses to warm the climate.

Another Ohio study found that changing from a liquid propane gas forklift to an electric-powered one in a 2,hour-per-year operation would prevent approximately 20, pounds of annual carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from being discharged into the atmosphere.

This study equated it to the same emissions as a standard automobile would pipe out in seven trips between New York and Los Angeles. Electric forklifts are ideal machines for interior and warehouse situations.

No harmful fumes mean no special and expensive ventilation is required to rid forklift exhaust or heating while overhead doors are open. IC forklifts produce considerable heat from their fuel combustion, which radiates into the warehouse space or presents hot surfaces on exhaust pipes that can burn or scald a worker.

There is virtually no noise from an electric forklift except for the tires, the lift and the sound of the safety backup horn or warning beacon. IC forklifts are loud and send varying pitches according to their load changes. Modern electric forklifts use their motors as brakes and immediately decelerate and stop when the operator lets off the accelerator.

This is a highly desirable safety feature, unlike the old clutch and shift transmissions on IC units. Electric motors completely stop when not in use, while IC forklifts continue to idle and pump environmentally unfriendly poisons into the atmosphere. Even the batteries on electric forklifts are environmentally friendly. Industrial batteries — such as the large commercial ones used in electric forklifts — weigh hundreds of pounds, with the vast majority of weight being lead.

With technology increasing both in battery design and recycling ability, more than 97 percent of all battery lead is recycled. There is little waste discharged into landfills and virtually no pollutants coming from battery-powered forklifts. Between electricity as a fuel and batteries as the fuel storage container, electric forklifts are truly a leading force in low environmental impact and consumers of renewable resources.

This includes waste products from routine forklift maintenance. Electrically powered forklifts have fewer moving parts than IC machines. Electric motors do not have reciprocating parts like pistons and crankshafts as internal combustion engines. Electric motors simply have a rotor that spins within a stator supported by bearings.

There is no crankcase oil to change and dispose of, no radiator coolant to flush and no engine filters to discard. These fluids and filters require regular maintenance that costs money and time as well as their load on nature.

Forklift accidents are unfortunately common, and many can be prevented by following simple safety recommendations. In the United States, there are 61, forklift accidents per year, with 34, of these accidents resulting in serious injury. Most unfortunately, there are about 85 forklift accidents every year in which one or more people die. The most common way someone dies in an accident involving a forklift is when the vehicle tips over.

Forklift injuries occur most commonly in the manufacturing sector, followed by the construction, wholesale trade, and transportation industries. While forklifts are powerful tools that are often required to accomplish certain tasks, the design of a forklift presents dangers to operators and those working nearby. There are many factors that explain why forklifts are dangerous:. If you have been involved in a forklift accident while on the job, you should receive full medical treatment for your injuries at no cost to you.

You may also be eligible to receive disability benefits, which will cover a portion of your lost wages during any time taken off work due to your injury. If you have been injured in a forklift accident, you should contact a skilled Santa Clara County workplace injury attorney.

If an employer or insurer is being unreasonable, our firm can help. Call our offices today at or toll free at to schedule your free consultation.