Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as small-engine vehicles. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion, though the many makes and models of lift truck would have a different design and layout. Forklifts are designed more toward producing high torque rather than for speed. They generally are geared to low speeds. The engine runs the forklift's drive wheels. The engine is also required to lower and raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Nearly all forklift engines which are modern are powered by propane because they will be utilized for indoor applications, where gasoline and diesel engines would be unsuitable due to the exhaust they generate.
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. Each and every cylinder head consists of an intake hatch, an exhaust hatch and a spark plug, each of them spring-loaded and one-way.
Engine Function
Propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray, when the driver starts up the forklift engine. This fine spray mixes together with air coming from the mass air intake before moving into the cylinder's head intake hatches. Each one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, that compresses the propane and air mixture as every piston rises to the top of the head. With extremely exact timing, the battery and alternator of the engine produce an electrical current which passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites resulting in an explosion that drives the piston back down to the bottom of the cylinder, leading to 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 cleaner compared to gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.