Power
Numerous forklifts are made to operate on propane gas. Forklifts which use propane are simple to refill. The gas is stored in a pressurized tank on the truck's back. The propane is pushed into the engine, where it is converted into vapor and the vapor combines with air. The forklift throttle is used to control the vapor flow. A spark plug fires up the mixture of air and vapor creating pressure which makes the pistons move. The pistons turn the wheels and run the hydraulic pump.

Since the kinds of forklifts which are powered by propane have low emissions and are clean burning, they are best to be utilized in other buildings and warehouses.

Hydraulics
The forklift's hydraulic system is what enables it to raise and move very heavy objects from place to place. Cylinders, a pump and tubes make up the hydraulic system. The pump forces dense fluid in the tubing and into the cylinders. The pressure build up pushes a piston, that raises the forks. When the operator lowers the forks, the hydraulic fluid flows out of the cylinders and back into the pump.

Steering
Propane forklifts work well where maneuverability is required. Not like a car, a forklift utilizes its rear wheels to pivot, which allows the forklift to turn quickly on a tight radius.