For the majority of indoor operations, a lift truck is operated with the use of cushioned tires which mean they are made out of solid rubber tires. The pneumatic style of tires is the ideal option outdoors. Pneumatic tires are common for heavy loads and can be used on asphalt surfaces and on dirt roads.
For the most part, propane powered machinery is trusted to be safe. Propane has the reputation for being a clean burning fuel source. If the engine or machine is not properly maintained or tuned, then the propane powered engine could emit CO or carbon monoxide, along with other corrosive oxides of nitrogen. Any internal engine that is not in optional running form can have a similar situation occur. These gases which are produced can be very harmful within incorrectly ventilated or confined spaces.
Compared to diesel and gasoline powered lift trucks, propane models produce less harmful gases. Propane has a simple chemical structure. As it is a gas, propane mixes really well with air, compared to diesel or gasoline and burns at a low temperature. Caustic oxides of nitrogen produced during propane combustion in the engine are less than those emitted by a diesel or gas engine. Therefore, a propane forklift's engine normally lasts much longer than a diesel or gasoline powered lift truck unit.
IC engines work by sucking in air from the surrounding area. This air reacts with the fuel causing it to burn. A 60 horse-power lift truck should breath in 5000 cubic feet of air per minute to be able to work. Before operation, it is better to switch on a propane forklift outside and allow it warm up for a bit. This is because of the carbon monoxide emissions since they read higher from a cold propane-powered engine or machine and become less intoxicating when the machine has had a chance to warm up.
Electric lift trucks are not used outside in the rain because it is feared the rain can damage the battery. A dangerous situation can happen because an electric lift truck could short out due to rainwater getting in.
Propane forklifts on the other hand work well in the rain. The propane is stored in sealed tanks that are positioned on the rear of the forklift. This means there is no chance of a rainstorm interrupting the work of an operator. Propane lift trucks are really versatile and can be utilized both outdoors and indoors. Diesel and gasoline powered forklifts can accidentally suffocate you with harmful gases if they are used indoors. A correctly tuned up and well maintained lift truck is really a good way to safely and effectively handle your loads.