Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as vehicles with small engines. The engines of the forklift all follow the principles of internal combustion, though the numerous 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 normally are geared to low speeds. The engine runs the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also needed to lower and raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Most forklift engines which are modern are fueled by propane because they will be used for indoor applications, where diesel and gasoline engines would be inappropriate because of the exhaust they make.
A four-cylinder engine-block is usually found in a forklift. Much like the engine in small automobiles, the engines of the forklift 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 operator starts up the engine of the forklift, propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray and mixes with air coming from the mass air intake before moving into the cylinder head intake hatches. Every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, which compresses the mixture of propane and air as every piston rises to the top of the head. With timing that is really precise, the engine's alternator and battery generate an electrical current which passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites resulting in an explosion which 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 exhaust to be drawn out through the exhaust hatch when more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns cleaner compared to gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.