Lift truck Engines
Forklifts are classified as vehicles with small engines, the same class wherein lawnmowers are categorized. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion. Various forklift models and brand names would 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 powers the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also required to raise and lower the forks through a series of chain pulleys. Most forklift engines that are modern are powered by propane since they will be utilized for indoor applications, where gasoline and diesel engines would be inappropriate because of the exhaust they produce.
Typically, the forklift is a four-cylinder engine-block. The engines of the forklift are similar to automobile engines as they hold pistons connecting to a camshaft. Every cylinder head consists of a spark plug, an intake hatch 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, once the driver starts up the engine of the forklift. This fine spray mixes 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, compressing the mixture of propane and air as every piston rises to the top of the head. With timing that is very precise, the battery and alternator of the engine create 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, resulting in a continuous turning of the camshaft. An air pressure imbalance in the cylinder causes the the exhaust hatch to draw out exhaust when more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns cleaner compared to gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.