The Propane Education & Research Council has determined that forklift fuel system technologies can meet 2007 EPA standards, according to tests conducted at its Southwest Research Institute. Test results produced readings for hydrocarbons (HC) plus nitrogen oxides (NOx) that were within the 2007 EPA standards.

"In order to meet 2007 standards, forklift engines must perform an order of magnitude better than current systems," says Brian Feehan, executive director of the Propane Vehicle Council. "These research results are important in that they demonstrate that inexpensive fuel systems available today can achieve these new standards by using newer high-tech controllers, ensuring that propane can remain a clean and costeffective fuel for forklifts."

The test results are from the first phase of a $1.4 million research study funded by the propane industry to assess fuel system technologies and fuel quality issues relative to large spark-ignited (LSI) non-road engines.

The results, although based on testing new engines using controlled fuel, "nonetheless represent impressive advances that reflect a substantial commitment of resources from many stakeholders," says Bill Montweiler, executive director of the Industrial Truck Association. "The next critical challenge will be to develop systems that can meet EPA's durability requirements under the variable conditions of actual use."