Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as small-engine vehicles, the same category in which lawnmowers are categorized. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion. Different lift truck models and brand names would have varying engine layout and design. Forklifts are designed more toward producing high torque rather than for speed. They generally are geared to low speeds. The engine runs the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also required to lower and raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Nearly all forklift engines that are modern are powered by propane since they would be utilized for indoor applications, where diesel and gasoline engines will be unsuitable due to the exhaust they generate.
A four-cylinder engine-block is normally found in a forklift. A lot similar to the engine in small cars, forklift engines have cylinders that contain pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of every cylinder has a spark plug, an intake hatch and an exhaust hatch, each of them spring-loaded and one-way.
Engine Function
When the driver starts up the engine of the forklift, propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray and mixes with air that comes from the mass air intake prior to moving into the cylinder head intake hatches. Each and every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, that compresses the air and propane mixture as each piston rises to the top of the head. With timing that is really precise, the engine's alternator and battery produce an electrical current which passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites causing an explosion that drives the piston back down to the bottom of the cylinder, resulting in 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 than gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.