Lift truck Engines
Forklifts are classified as small-engine vehicles, the same class wherein lawnmowers are classed. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion. Different lift truck models and brand names will have varying engine layout and design. Forklifts are designed more toward generating 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 lift the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Most modern lift truck engines are powered by propane because they will be utilized for indoor applications, where gasoline and diesel engines would be inappropriate because of the exhaust they make.
A four-cylinder engine-block is usually found in a forklift. A lot like the engine in small cars, forklift engines have cylinders containing pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of every cylinder consists of 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, when 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 cylinder's head intake hatches. Each and every 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 alternator and battery of the engine generate an electrical current that passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites leading to 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 when more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns much cleaner than diesel and gasoline and the exhaust is not as harmful.