There are new regulations for propane forklifts operating in California, and the Western Propane Gas Association is here to help you and your customers comply.

Use our How-To Resource, which provides basic information on the regulation and shows you what is needed to comply. Numerous resources are available to assist propane forklift operators with the safe operation and maintenance of their equipment. Read more about propane forklift safety.

Propane fuels 670,000 forklifts in the U.S. factories and warehouses, representing the largest segment of the propane internal combustions engine market.

  • Propane is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel that can be used to safely power forklifts both indoors and outdoors. With propane, there is no spillage loss during refueling.
  • Propane forklift tanks, fuel lines, and carburetion components meet or exceed strict specifications. Built-in safety devices automatically shut off the flow of fuel in case of an accident.
  • Propane forklifts can be used in indoor and outdoor applications. Propane is the most portable fuel. Propane cylinders can be stored and moved virtually anywhere within a work site.
  • Propane forklifts maintain consistent, 100-percent power throughout operation, and faster ground speeds than electric forklifts.
  • The forklift market has an established fuel delivery and cylinder exchange infrastructure for easy refueling.
  • Propane forklifts have longer run times between refueling than electric alternatives and require very little refueling tim compared to natural gas-powered and electric forklifts.

There are seven classes of forklifts:

  • Class 1: Electric motor, sit-down rider, counterbalanced trucks (both solid and pneumatic tires)
  • Class 2: Electric motor, narrow aisle trucks (solid tires)
  • Class 3: Electric motor hand trucks or hand/rider trucks (solid tires)
  • Class 4: Internal combustion engine trucks (solid tires)
  • Class 5: Internal combustion engine trucks (pneumatic tires)
  • Class 6: Electric & internal combustion engine tractors (both solid and pneumatic tires)
  • Class 7: Rough terrain forklift trucks (pneumatic tires)

Propane forklifts are primarily Class 4 and Class 5 forklifts.