Question about propane fork lift.

Fritz Maurer · Mar 28, 2018

I'm out of fuel and all my tanks are out of test. I had one aluminum tank so I was able get running again for about $90. The new (rebuilt) tank has no fuel level indicator so there is no way to tell when the lift is going to quit. A second tank would be $220, and to get one of my steel tanks re-certified would take a month. Can't I convert a regular 20# tank with the valves from these out-of-date tanks, just to use for getting the machine out of the way? I'm thinking I could invert the tank to get the liquid out of it, or is it not that simple?

Oliver 500 Wa · Mar 28, 2018

Can't help with your questions, but a forklift will always run out of propane when it is as far from a spare tank as possible.

da.bees · Mar 28, 2018

If the tank threads are the same,you can switch valves. Yes,if you invert the grill tank liquid will flow from the valve that's on it now but the lift tank valve might not because it has a tube on it. You don't have to draw liquid anyhow unless weather is cold and you run the engine more than 30 minutes.

Steve@Advance · Mar 28, 2018

I don't think a regular tank can be converted. If you change the valve, there will probably be an issue with getting it filled.

A new steel tank can be bought on Ebay for $140.

But what we do is exchange them. There is a welding shop near by that exchanges them, and many propane dealers will exchange them. You may still have to pay for the certification, if they care, but that will get you a ready to use tank.

504 · Mar 28, 2018

The problem will be the OPD valve will shut off the flow on the 20#. You can get an idea how much is left in your AL tank by turning it with the spitter valve open,nine o clock, 1/2 full, seven o clock 1/4 full. You are looking for liquid,were gloves and googles.

john in la · Mar 28, 2018

It is my understanding that most forklifts and tractors will run on vapor if it is not cold outside.
So if you could get a connection adapter it should run.
It will have little to no power for real work but it should be enough to move it out of the way.
Try not to use a full tank leaving a area for the liquid to vaporize in the tank faster than you are using it.
Leave the tank upright so the tip over shut off does not activate.
This should get you by long enough you can get one of your real forklift tanks certified.

Frank A · Mar 28, 2018

If you switch valves you would have no relief valve so no one with any training would fill it. If you turn a 20# tank over you put the relief valve in the liquid space, not a good idea either.

Frank A · Mar 28, 2018

I don't know about getting someone to do it in your area but to do a 5 year recertify they change the relief valve if out dated, inspect for pitting, dents or other damage, and check the empty weight. Most of the time it takes a day or two. I guess if it was hydro tested so it could be recertified for 10 years it would take longer I just never seen it done.

37chief · Mar 28, 2018

I have run my propane fork lift by just hooking a bottle from my BBQ, leaving the tank sitting up right. The liquid is converted to a gas when it enters the heat exchanger anyway. Then turned to a gas for the motor. Workes for me. Stan

VicS · Mar 28, 2018

Do you have a 500 gal storage tank. I have a liquid withdrawal valve and hose on mine. Fill my own tanks. A 30 lb. Tank will run it fine. For a while. If you have a older tank you could just turn it upside down. New ones i think will shut off.

Frank A · Mar 28, 2018

Like others have said it will run on vapor. How long and how well depends on BTU draw (engine size and how hard you work it). You will need a high flow connector and you may want a second bottle to change over to if the one gets frosting up to much. Be aware though that using a propane tank for something other that what it is designed for is probably illegal so if your subject to inspections or have an incident things may not go well.

Frank A · Mar 28, 2018

Turning it upside down is a really bad idea. It puts the relief valve in the liquid space so if it vents you have 270 the the amount coming out as you would with vapor.

Frank A · Mar 28, 2018

270 times the amount.

Russ from MN · Mar 29, 2018

I turn them upside down to transfer the propane to an outdated tank, works fine for me.

pat sublett · Mar 29, 2018

If you are depending on your machine, bite the bullet and get a second tank. Those gauges are not reliable
anyway.

Question about propane fork lift.

Fritz Maurer

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Oliver 500 Wa

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da.bees

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Steve@Advance

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504

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john in la

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Frank A

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Frank A

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37chief

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VicS

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Frank A

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Frank A

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Frank A

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Russ from MN

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pat sublett

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