Lift truck Engines
Forklifts are classified as small-engine vehicles, the same category wherein lawnmowers are categorized. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion. Various lift truck models and brand names would have varying engine layout and design. Forklifts are made more toward producing high torque than for speed. They generally are geared to low speeds. The engine powers the forklift's drive wheels. The engine is also required to lower and raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Most forklift engines that are modern are powered by propane since they would be utilized for indoor applications, where diesel and gasoline engines will be inappropriate due to the exhaust they make.
Usually, the forklift is a four-cylinder engine-block. Forklift engines are like automobile engines since they contain pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of each and every cylinder has a spark plug, an intake hatch and an exhaust hatch, each of them one-way and spring-loaded.
Engine Function
When the driver 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 prior to moving into the cylinder head intake hatches. Every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, compressing the propane and air mixture as every piston rises to the top of the head. With very precise timing, the engine's alternator and battery create an electrical current that passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites causing 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 diesel and gasoline and the exhaust is not as harmful.