Power
Numerous forklifts are made to operate on propane gas. Forklifts that use propane are easy to refill. The gas is stored inside a pressurized tank on the back of the truck. The propane is pushed into the engine, where it is converted into vapor and afterward the vapor combines with air. The forklift throttle is used to control the flow of vapor. A spark plug ignites the mixture of air and vapor producing pressure which moves the pistons. The pistons turn the wheels and run the hydraulic pump.

Because the kinds of forklifts that are operated by propane are clean burning and have low emissions, they are best to be utilized inside warehouses and other buildings.

Hydraulics
What allows a forklift to lift and transport heavy things from one location to another is the hydraulic system. A pump, tubes and cylinders make up the hydraulic system. The pump forces dense fluid in the tubing and into the cylinders. The build up of pressure pushes a piston, that raises the forks. When the forks are lowered by the operator, the hydraulic fluid flows out of the cylinders and back in the pump.

Steering
Where maneuverability is needed, propane forklifts are the most suitable. Unlike a car, a forklift utilizes its back wheels to turn, which allows the forklift to quickly turn on a tight radius.