Many chemical plants have large outdoor yards: bulk bag storage for raw materials, areas for empty IBCs awaiting cleaning, packaging scrap yards and container loading bays. In these outdoor areas, where the ground is not always level, diesel forklifts and LPG forklifts remain a familiar choice. This article defines where internal combustion trucks belong and which STILL models fit.
Which chemical plant tasks suit internal combustion trucks
Outdoor tasks often involve long distances, ramps, weather and heavy loads. Diesel and LPG trucks do not depend on charging time and refuel quickly, so they suit:
- Unloading bulk bags and pallets of powdered or granular raw materials from trucks in the receiving yard.
- Moving empty IBCs and pallets of empty drums to the cleaning area or the return-to-supplier area.
- Handling equipment crates, moulds and machine modules during major plant maintenance.
Enclosed solvent stores and finished goods warehouses should use electric trucks; see the comparison in electric vs diesel forklift.
Keep standard trucks out of areas with an explosion risk
Combustion engines have hot surfaces, exhaust gases and electrical systems that can become ignition sources. Standard diesel and LPG trucks must therefore not enter filling areas, flammable liquid stores or combustible dust areas that have been classified as hazardous. The STILL source documents we hold do not show an explosion-protected version of the RX 70 or RCD, so we make no such claim. Companies should assess areas in line with applicable regulations, mark boundaries clearly and set handover points outside them.
STILL models by capacity range
STILL RX 70 2.0 – 3.5 t: diesel and LPG for daily tasks
The STILL RX 70 2.0 – 3.5 t comes in diesel and LPG versions, with travel speeds up to 21 km/h and lift heights up to 7390 mm. The manufacturer states that the industrial engine is more than 20 percent stronger, and the STILL Performance System matches the drive with sensitive controls so drivers keep the load under control when reversing in tight spaces or on ramps. A slim mast and large windows give good load visibility when stacking bags high.
STILL RX 70 4.0 – 5.0 t: diesel-electric drive, sealed components
For loads up to five tonnes, the RX 70 4.0 – 5.0 t uses a diesel-electric drive. According to the source, all drive components are sealed against dust and water ingress, which suits powder raw material yards. The truck has five drive programmes, and travel and lift characteristics can be adjusted to operating conditions; Blue-Q mode cuts energy consumption by 10 percent without reducing performance. The RX 70 6.0 – 8.0 t has a similar sealed design for loads up to 8 tonnes.
STILL RCD 10 – 18 t: very heavy and bulky items
For equipment modules and large structural items in plant expansion projects, the STILL RCD 10 – 18 t lifts up to 18 tonnes with a turbo common-rail engine. When bulky loads block forward vision, the entire driver workplace can rotate 180 degrees.
Guide table: step – model – reason
| Outdoor task | STILL type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Unloading bulk bags and bagged pallets | RX 70 2.0 – 3.5 t (diesel or LPG) | Fast handling, good visibility when stacking high |
| Dusty powder and granule yards | RX 70 4.0 – 5.0 t | Drive components sealed against dust and water |
| Tanks, steel bundles, heavy machine modules | RX 70 6.0 – 8.0 t or RCD 10 – 18 t | Up to 8 t and 18 t; rotating RCD workplace |
| Enclosed stores, solvent filling areas | No standard diesel or LPG trucks | Use electric trucks or versions assessed as suitable |
Outdoor operating notes on chemical sites
- Bulk bags: use suitable lifting attachments and recalculate residual capacity from the load chart; see how to choose forklift capacity.
- Cleaning and maintenance: chemical dust in radiators and air filters shortens engine life; inspect more often and see our maintenance and repair service.
More models are in the diesel and LPG forklift category. Other truck types for each plant area are covered under forklift solutions for the chemical industry.
Frequently asked questions
Can LPG forklifts be used in an enclosed chemical warehouse?
Not recommended. Enclosed stores need controlled air, so electric trucks are preferred. Standard LPG and diesel trucks must never enter areas classified as having an explosion risk.
Is there an explosion-protected version of the STILL RX 70?
The source documents we hold do not show one, so we make no claim; please contact us to check for your project.
When should I choose an RCD instead of an RX 70?
When loads exceed the 8 tonne range or are very bulky, the RCD with up to 18 tonnes is the better fit. For standard pallets and bags, the RX 70 is more flexible.
Need a fleet assessment for your plant yards? Send a request via the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.