Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as small-engine vehicles. The engines of the forklift all follow the principles of internal combustion, while the numerous models and makes of lift truck would have a different design and layout. Forklifts are designed more toward generating high torque than for speed. They normally are geared to low speeds. The engine powers the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also needed to lower and raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. The majority of modern lift truck engines are powered by propane since they would be utilized for indoor applications, where gasoline and diesel engines would be inappropriate because of the exhaust they create.
A four-cylinder engine-block is typically found in a forklift. Much like the engine in small cars, the engines of the forklift have cylinders containing pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of each cylinder has an intake hatch, an exhaust hatch and a spark plug, each of them one-way and spring-loaded.
Engine Function
Propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray, when the operator starts up the forklift engine. This fine spray mixes together with air which comes from the mass air intake before moving into the cylinder's head intake hatches. Every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in a precise sequence, that compresses the mixture of air and propane as every piston rises to the top of the head. With timing that is very precise, the battery and alternator of the engine generate an electrical current that passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites resulting in an explosion which 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 exhaust to be drawn out through the exhaust hatch when more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns a lot cleaner than gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.