Forklift gas is LPG supplied in cylinders made for forklifts. Unlike a household cylinder, a forklift cylinder is mounted on its side and draws liquid gas to the engine, so only a proper forklift cylinder may be used. Most warehouses and factories do not refill their own: a supplier keeps a locked cage of full cylinders on site and swaps the empties on a regular round. This page covers forklift cylinders, exchange contracts, storage, changing a cylinder safely and how LPG compares to other fuels. Send one request and local suppliers will quote you for free, with no obligation.
How a forklift cylinder differs
A forklift cylinder is built for liquid withdrawal: it lies on its side in a bracket at the back of the truck, with a locating pin or mark that sets it in the right position so the pickup draws liquid, not vapour. The engine's own system turns the liquid into gas. An ordinary upright LPG cylinder must never be fitted to a forklift. Cylinder sizes vary between trucks, so tell the supplier the make of truck and the size you use now, and they will match it.
Exchange cages and delivery rounds
The usual set-up is an exchange contract. The supplier places a ventilated, lockable cylinder cage outside the building, stocks it with full cylinders, and collects empties on a fixed day or when you call. You pay per cylinder exchanged, and often a rental on the cylinders and cage. Exchange prices are quoted per site, based on how many trucks you run, how many shifts and how far you are from the supplier. Ask what happens if you run out between rounds.
Changing a forklift cylinder safely
- Only trained operators should change cylinders.
- Park outside or in a well ventilated area, away from flames, sparks and drains.
- Close the cylinder valve. Many sites then let the engine run until it stops, so the line is empty before it is uncoupled.
- Wear gloves: liquid LPG is very cold and can burn the skin.
- Check the coupling seal, seat the new cylinder on its pin, strap it down, open the valve and check for leaks.
- Return the empty to the cage and lock it.
LPG, diesel or electric
LPG forklifts are often chosen where trucks work both inside and outside, because they burn cleaner than diesel and a cylinder change takes minutes rather than a battery charge. Electric trucks suit work that stays indoors, and diesel suits heavy outdoor work. The right choice depends on your hours, your building and its ventilation, so speak to your forklift supplier as well. Sites using a lot of gas can ask about bulk LPG for other uses on the same premises.
What to include in your request
- How many forklifts run on LPG
- Cylinders used per week and shifts per day
- The make of truck and cylinder size used now
- Where a cylinder cage can stand on site
- Whether you need cages and cylinders supplied
Forklift Gas for different clients
- Homeowners: rare at home, though some smallholdings keep an old LPG forklift for the shed
- Complexes, estates and body corporates: estate maintenance yards with a single forklift on a monthly exchange
- Restaurants, takeaways and bakeries: cold store and food distribution sites with LPG forklifts on outside docks
- Guest houses, lodges and venues: large venues and lodges moving stock and furniture with one gas forklift
- Farms and smallholdings: pack houses and grain stores running LPG forklifts through harvest season
- Factories, warehouses and workshops: warehouses and factories with a cage of full cylinders and weekly swaps
- Campers, caravanners and event hosts: event build crews hiring LPG forklifts with cylinders for festival sites
- Gas installers, plumbers and dealers: forklift hire and service companies arranging gas for the trucks they rent out
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a normal gas bottle on a forklift?
Where can I refill a forklift gas bottle near me?
How are forklift gas exchange contracts priced?
Do you supply forklift gas?
Forklift Gas by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg