How to Choose Gas Cylinder Handling Equipment
Start with how cylinders move around your site, then check their sizes.
On a forklift
The forklift gas bottle handler slides onto your forks and locks on with a heel pin. Webbing straps with ratchet tensioners hold up to four cylinders from 240 to 318mm in diameter, up to 500kg. For taller cylinders, the gas cylinder storage and transport pallet holds them with ratchet straps on a frame with thick steel fork pockets, so you can store them and move them as one load.
On a crane
The crane slung gas bottle handler hangs from the crane hook by a central lifting eye. Each of up to four cylinders stands in its own bay, held by a quick release chain, and you can also pick it up on forks through the base.
By hand or hoist
For one or two cylinders, use a lifting trolley. The single cylinder lifting trolley takes one cylinder of 180 to 305mm, and the double cylinder lifting trolley takes two. Both have chains at the top and bottom and a lifting eye, so you can wheel them or lift them with a hoist.
Check your cylinders
Measure the diameter and height of your cylinders and find their full weight. As a guide, the forklift handler carries four smaller LPG cylinders, such as 4.5kg or 7kg butane, or two larger ones, such as 15kg butane or 13kg or 19kg propane.
Where It's Used
Manufacturing, engineering, construction, healthcare and facilities teams all move cylinders, from LPG to oxygen and other industrial gases.
Moving Cylinders Safely
- Close the valve before you move a cylinder
- Strap or chain every cylinder in place before you move off
- Use a trolley for anything more than a few metres, rather than rolling cylinders by hand
- Never lift a cylinder by its valve
- On a forklift, carry cylinders in a handler, cradle or pallet. Clamps and magnets can damage cylinder walls
- Check your forklift's capacity with the attachment fitted, and add the handler's weight when you check a crane's rating
- Lifting equipment needs regular thorough examination under LOLER, so ask your examiner which interval applies
Our guide to moving and lifting gas cylinders covers each step.
Gas Cylinder Handling FAQs
Which cylinders fit the forklift gas bottle handler?
Cylinders from 240 to 318mm in diameter, up to 500kg in total: four of the smaller sizes, or two of the larger 318mm size.
Can you lift gas cylinders with a crane?
Yes, in a handler made for it. The crane slung gas bottle handler holds each cylinder in its own bay and lifts from one central eye. Never lift a cylinder by its valve.
Do the trolleys need lifting gear?
No. Both roll on solid wheels. The lifting eye is there if you also want to lift them with a hoist.
How long does delivery take?
We confirm the price and lead time with your quote. Send us your cylinder details and we'll come back to you.
Related Attachments
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