Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as vehicles with small engines, the same category wherein lawnmowers are categorized. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion. Different lift truck brand names and models will have varying engine design and layout. Forklifts are designed more toward producing high torque than for speed. They usually are geared to low speeds. The engine runs the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also needed to lower and lift the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Nearly all forklift engines that are modern are powered by propane as they will be used indoors, where diesel and gasoline engines would be inappropriate due to the exhaust they make.
A four-cylinder engine-block is usually found in a forklift. Much like the engine in small cars, forklift engines have cylinders that contain pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of each cylinder consists of an intake hatch, an exhaust hatch and a spark plug, each of them spring-loaded and one-way.
Engine Function
When the operator starts up the engine of the forklift, propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray and mixes with air which comes from the mass air intake prior to moving into the cylinder head intake hatches. Each and every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in a precise sequence, compressing the propane and air mixture as each piston rises to the top of the head. With extremely precise timing, the battery and alternator of the engine produce 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, causing a continuous turning of the camshaft. In the cylinder, an air pressure imbalance causes the the exhaust hatch to draw out exhaust as more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns a lot cleaner than diesel and gasoline and the exhaust is not as harmful.