Power
Many forklifts are designed to run on propane gas. Forklifts which use propane are simple to refill. The gas is stored inside a pressurized tank on the truck's back. The propane is pushed into the engine, where it is converted into vapor and afterward the vapor combines 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 moves the pistons. The pistons run the hydraulic pump and turn the wheels.

Forklifts that utilize propane are recommended for use inside other buildings and warehouses since they are clean burning with low emissions.

Hydraulics
The forklift's hydraulic system is what enables it to lift and move very heavy stuff from location to location. A pump, tubes and cylinders make up the hydraulic system. The pump forces dense fluid through the tubing and into the cylinders. The build up of pressure pushes a piston, that lifts 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. Not like an automobile, a forklift uses its back wheels to pivot, that allows the forklift to quickly turn on a tight radius.