How do I select the correct propane forklift tank?

How do I select the correct propane forklift tank?

Tank selection can be confusing. 

•    Vapor or Liquid withdrawal?  Fill Valve or no Fill Valve?  5 gallon - 7 gallon - or 10 gallon?

Below is an explanation for each question with selection guidelines.

Vapor or Liquid Withdrawal?

• Consult your owners manual or the forklift manufacturer to determine which is required for your forklift engine.  Most engines require liquid withdrawal tanks.  This method provides liquid propane to a "converter" that is mounted on the engine.  The converter then receives the liquid propane and discharges vapor propane to the engine.   Do not attempt to use a vapor supply tank for a forklift requiring liquid supply.  

• Note: Because of the nature of propane, all propane tanks have both liquid and vapor inside of the tank.  So the tank design is critical to ensure that the proper fuel supply is provided to the engine.

 Fill Valve or No Fill Valve?

• Either style of tank can be refilled.

• Most propane delivery trucks use high capacity pumps.  Fill valves allow for refueling with less restriction and back pressure on the delivery truck pumps.

• Fill valves also save time during the refueling process thereby reducing labor cost.

• Additionally, Fill Valves allow for the forklift tank to be refilled while still connected to the forklift, if desired.  Fleets generally desire this feature since they can simply drive the forklift to the on-site refueling station and fill the tank without disconnecting it from the forklift.

How are Universal Mounted Propane Forklift Tanks to be installed on a forklift?

• What does the term, "Universal Mount" mean?  Simply that the tank can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

• Some customers who purchase universal mounted propane forklift tanks are confused by the directional "arrow" that is stamped in the collar of the tank.  Does the arrow indication only one mounting direction?

    Here is the answer:

• The cylinder will supply liquid in both vertical and horizontal positions and can be mounted either way.

• On forklift cylinders, the gauge cannot be accurate in both orientations. Usually the horizontal reading will be E, ¼, ½, ¾, F and the vertical will be OK or ADD. The cylinder is taller than it is wide, so the float arm cannot sweep the entire cylinder contents vertically. 

 5 Gallon, 7 Gallon or 10 Gallon capacity.  Which should I choose?

• The most important concern is the tank compatibility with the tank mounting bracket on the forklift.  Most are designed for a specific tank size.

• Note:  Forklift tanks are "universal" meaning they can be mounted either vertical or horizontal and will still provide service as designed.  Some mounting brackets for smaller tanks are designed for vertical mounting of the tank.  The majority however are mounted horizontally.

Help is available!

• If you need help in making a selection of any of our forklift tanks, simply take a few pictures of your existing tank and send them to: paul@propanetankstore.com

• We need a picture of the valving on top of the tank and to be able to read the labels under the fuel supply valve.  Also send a picture of the data stamped into the tank collar.  Specifically, we need to see the "WC" number or "TW" number.