Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as vehicles with small engines, the same class wherein lawnmowers are categorized. The engines of the forklifts all follow the principles of internal combustion. Various forklift brand names and models would have varying engine design and layout. Forklifts are made more toward producing high torque than for speed. They generally are geared to low speeds. The engine powers the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also required to lower and lift the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Most modern forklift engines are powered by propane as they will be utilized for indoor applications, where diesel and gasoline engines will be inappropriate due to the exhaust they produce.
Usually, the lift truck is a four-cylinder engine-block. Forklift engines are similar to car engines because they hold pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of every cylinder has an exhaust hatch, a spark plug and an exhaust hatch, each of them spring-loaded and one-way.
Engine Function
Propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray, once the driver starts up the forklift engine. This fine spray mixes with air that comes from the mass air intake prior to moving into the head intake hatches of the cylinder. Every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in a precise sequence, compressing the air and propane mixture as each piston rises to the top of the head. With timing that is really precise, the battery and alternator of the engine create 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. In the cylinder, an air pressure imbalance 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.