Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as small-engine vehicles. The engines of the forklift all follow the principles of internal combustion, though the numerous models and makes of forklift would have a different layout and design. Forklifts are designed more toward producing high torque than for speed. They normally are geared to low speeds. The engine powers the forklift's drive wheels. The engine is also required to lift and lower the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Nearly all modern forklift engines are fueled by propane as they will be used indoors, where gasoline and diesel engines would be inappropriate because of the exhaust they create.
A four-cylinder engine-block is usually found in a lift truck. Much like the engine in small cars, forklift engines have cylinders that contain 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 one-way and spring-loaded.
Engine Function
When the operator starts up the forklift engine, propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray and mixes together with air coming from the mass air intake before moving into the head intake hatches of the cylinder. Each and every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, that compresses the mixture of propane and air as each piston rises to the top of the head. With timing which is very precise, the engine's battery and alternator produce an electrical current which passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites leading to 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 much cleaner compared to gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.