For the majority of indoor operations, a forklift is operated with the use of cushioned tires which mean they are made out of solid rubber tires. The pneumatic style of tires is truly the ideal option outdoors. Pneumatic tires are common for heavy loads and could be used on dirt roads and on asphalt surfaces.
For the most part, propane powered equipment is trusted to be safe. Propane has the reputation for being a clean burning fuel source. If the machinery or engine is not correctly tuned or maintained, then the propane powered engine can emit carbon monoxide or CO, along with other corrosive oxides of nitrogen. Any internal engine which is not in optional working form may have a similar situation occur. These gases that are emitted could be extremely harmful within incorrectly ventilated or confined spaces.
Propane units produce less harmful gases compared to gasoline and diesel powered lift trucks. The chemical structure of propane is rather simple. Since it is a gas, propane mixes really well with air, compared to gasoline or diesel and burns at a low temperature. Corrosive oxides of nitrogen produced during propane combustion in the engine are less than those produced by a gas or diesel engine. Thus, the engine of a propane lift truck usually lasts a lot longer compared to a gasoline or diesel powered lift truck unit.
Internal combustion 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 has to breath in 5000 cubic feet of air per minute to be able to operate. Before operation, it is recommended to switch on a propane lift truck outside and allow it warm up for a bit. This is because of the carbon monoxide emissions as they read higher from a cold propane-powered engine or equipment and become less potent once the machine has had a chance to warm up.
It is important to remember that electric or battery powered lift trucks can not be utilized outside in the rain for fear of battery damage if they get wet. A dangerous situation could happen because an electric forklift could short out due to rainwater getting in.
Propane lift trucks however work really well in the rain. The propane is stored in sealed tanks which are positioned on the back of the forklift. This means there is no possibility of a rainstorm interrupting an operator's work. Propane forklifts are extremely versatile and are capable of being used both for outdoor and indoor operations. Gasoline and diesel powered lift trucks could accidentally suffocate you with harmful gases if they are used indoors. A well maintained and properly tuned up forklift is truly a great way to safely and effectively handle your loads.