Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as vehicles with small engines, the same category in which lawnmowers are categorized. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion. Different lift truck brand names and models would have varying engine layout and design. Forklifts are made more toward generating high torque than for speed. They usually are geared to low speeds. The engine runs the forklift's drive wheels. The engine is also needed to lower and raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. The majority of forklift engines which are modern are fueled by propane as they will be used indoors, where diesel and gasoline engines would be inappropriate due to the exhaust they make.
A four-cylinder engine-block is typically found in a lift truck. Much similar to the engine in small cars, forklift engines have cylinders that contain pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of each cylinder consists of a spark plug, an intake hatch and an exhaust hatch, each of them one-way and spring-loaded.
Engine Function
Propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray, when the driver starts up the engine of the forklift. This fine spray mixes with air coming from the mass air intake prior to moving into the cylinder's head intake hatches. Each one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in a precise sequence, compressing the propane and air mixture as every piston rises to the top of the head. With timing which is very precise, the engine's battery and alternator generate an electrical current which passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites causing an explosion which drives the piston back down to the bottom of the cylinder, causing a continuous turning of the camshaft. An air pressure imbalance in the cylinder causes the the exhaust hatch to draw out exhaust as more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns a lot cleaner compared to gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.