Fueling Efficiency: The Benefits of On-Site Propane Fueling Stations

Written on: January 6, 2025

Boost Productivity and Savings With This Smart Solution

If you operate a business that relies on a fleet of propane-powered forklifts, you understand fuel efficiency. How you operate and maintain your forklifts them helps you get the most out of the propane that fuels them. But you may not have considered that how you refuel your forklifts can affect efficiency, too. If you’re relying on a retail cylinder exchange for forklift refueling, you could be losing hours—and dollars—to refueling when you could be saving you time and money. From cost-effectiveness to improved productivity, an on-site propane fueling station delivers an array of benefits that makes it a smart choice for businesses looking to maximize efficiency.

What’s On-Site Fueling?

On-site fueling means you have everything you need to refuel your propane-powered forklifts and other propane equipment at your location. Unlike retail cylinder exchange, where you need to bring your empty tanks to a dealer to swap for full cylinders, with our on-site cylinder program, you have full cylinders ready to go at your location. Our pros will meet with you to evaluate your needs and develop a customized program, then set you up with sturdy, safe storage cages for your cylinders. We’ll thoroughly train your workers in the safe handling of propane cylinders. And you’ll always have the cylinders you need, when you need them.

Improve Productivity

It’s a cliché because it’s true: Time is money. With an on-site fueling station, refueling is quick and easy. When it’s time to refuel, the driver simply needs to disconnect the empty cylinder and replace it with a full one. It translates into less than 10 minutes of downtime.

Meanwhile, recharging an electric forklift takes equipment out of service for hours, slowing down operations. Plus, charging stations for electric forklifts take up space and require large up-front investments.

Another difference: A propane-fueled forklift will work at full power until the tank is empty. Electric equipment can lose steam as the battery runs down, draining productivity, too.

On-Site Savings

By improving operating efficiency, an on-site propane fueling system is great for your bottom line. And, if you use forklifts, you probably use other equipment that can run off propane cylinders. That extends the efficiency and savings to other parts of your operation. In addition to forklifts, propane can be used to power a wide range of equipment, including welding equipment, commercial mowers, asphalt heaters, concrete grinders, saws, polishers, dust extractors, pressure washers, small cranes, water pumps and floor buffers—just to name a few!
What’s more, propane-powered equipment typically requires less maintenance than gasoline or diesel versions. Propane burns cleaner, which reduces engine wear and prolongs the life of critical components. Lower maintenance needs mean reduced downtime and additional cost savings for businesses.

The Bottom Line

Investing in an on-site propane fueling station is a savvy decision that can yield substantial benefits for your business. By reducing fuel costs, increasing operational efficiency, enhancing safety, and contributing to environmental sustainability, a propane fueling station can help you stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

Ready to learn more? Talk to Pico’s commercial propane team. We have the expertise and experience to understand your specific needs and can tailor a program that will grow with your business—and help your business grow, thanks to the efficiency and power or propane.

Contact us for more information today!