Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as small-engine vehicles, the same class wherein lawnmowers are categorized. The engines of the forklifts all follow the principles of internal combustion. Various forklift models and brand names will have varying engine 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 forklift's drive wheels. The engine is also needed to lower and raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Most modern forklift engines are fueled by propane as they will be used indoors, where gasoline and diesel engines will be unsuitable because of the exhaust they generate.
A four-cylinder engine-block is normally found in a lift truck. Much like the engine in small cars, forklift engines have cylinders containing pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of each and every cylinder 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, 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. Each and every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in a precise sequence, compressing the air and propane mixture as every piston rises to the top of the head. With extremely precise timing, the alternator and battery of the engine produce an electrical current that passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites resulting in an explosion that drives the piston back down to the bottom of the cylinder, leading to a continuous turning of the camshaft. In the cylinder, an air pressure imbalance causes the exhaust to be drawn out through the exhaust hatch as more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns cleaner than diesel and gasoline and the exhaust is not as harmful.