For most of indoor applications, a forklift is operated with the use of cushioned tires which mean they are made out of solid rubber tires. The pneumatic type of tires is the best choice outdoors. Pneumatic tires are common for heavy cargo and could be used on asphalt surfaces and on dirt roads.
For the most part, propane powered machinery is believed to be safe. Propane has the reputation for being a clean burning fuel source. If the engine or machine is not tuned up or maintained correctly, then the propane powered engine could produce carbon monoxide or CO, along with other caustic oxides of nitrogen. Any internal engine which is not in optional running form could have a similar situation occur. These produced gases could be really noxious within confined or incorrectly ventilated spaces.
Compared to diesel and gasoline powered lift trucks, propane models emit less harmful gases. Propane has a simple chemical structure. As it is a gas, propane burns at a low temperature and mixes well with air, compared to gasoline or diesel. Corrosive oxides of nitrogen produced during propane combustion in the engine are a lot less compared to those emitted by a gas or diesel engine. Hence, the engine of a propane forklift usually lasts a lot longer than a gasoline or diesel 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 needs to breath in 5000 cubic feet of air per minute in order to operate. Prior to operation, it is recommended to switch on a propane lift truck outside and let 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 machinery and become less intoxicating when the equipment has had a chance to warm up.
It is vital to remember that battery powered or electric lift trucks can not be utilized outdoors in the rain for fear of battery damage if they get wet. A dangerous situation could happen because an electric lift truck can short out because of 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 lift truck. This means there is no possibility of a rainstorm interrupting the work of a driver. Propane forklifts are really versatile and can be utilized both for indoor and outdoor operations. Diesel and gasoline powered forklifts could suffocate you accidentally with dangerous gases if they are used indoors. A correctly tuned up and well maintained forklift is really a good way to safely and effectively handle your loads.