Lift trucks, when used in indoor operations, are usually operated on cushioned tires which are made out of solid rubber. The pneumatic style of tires is truly the best choice outdoors. Pneumatic tires could be utilized on dirt roads and on asphalt surfaces and are common for heavy cargo.
For the most part, propane powered equipment is believed to be safe. Propane has the reputation for being a clean burning fuel source. If the engine or machinery is not correctly tuned or maintained, then the propane powered engine can emit carbon monoxide or CO, along with other caustic oxides of nitrogen. Any internal engine that is not in optional working form could have a similar situation occur. These gases which are produced can be extremely harmful within improperly ventilated or confined spaces.
Compared to gasoline and diesel powered lift trucks, propane units emit 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. Thus, the engine of a propane lift truck usually lasts much longer than a diesel or gasoline powered lift truck unit.
With an internal combustion engine, air is sucked into it from the surrounding area. This air is what causes the fuel to burn. A 60 horse-power lift truck must breath in 5000 cubic feet of air per minute in order to operate. Before operation, it is better to switch on a propane lift truck outside and let 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 equipment and become less potent once the machinery has had a chance to warm up.
Electric forklifts are not utilized outside in the rain because it is feared the rain might damage the battery. A hazardous situation could occur since an electric lift truck could short out because of rainwater getting in.
On the other hand, propane lift trucks work really well in the rain. The propane is stored in the on-board well sealed tanks. This means there is no chance of a rainstorm interrupting a driver's work. Propane forklifts are really versatile and can be used both for indoor and outdoor applications. Gasoline and diesel powered forklifts could accidentally suffocate you with harmful gases if they are used inside. A well maintained and correctly tuned up forklift is a great way to handle your loads in an effective and safe way.