Power
Many 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 truck's rear. The propane is pushed into the engine, where it is converted into vapor and afterward the vapor mixes with air. The forklift throttle is utilized to control the flow of vapor. A spark plug fires up the mix of vapor and air creating pressure which makes the pistons move. The pistons turn the wheels and run the hydraulic pump.

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

Hydraulics
What enables a forklift to raise and transport heavy stuff from one place to another is the hydraulic system. 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 needed. Unlike a car, a forklift makes use of its rear wheels to pivot, that allows the forklift to rapidly pivot on a tight radius.