Lift truck Engines
Forklifts are classed as small-engine vehicles. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion, though the many models and makes of lift truck would have a different layout and design. Forklifts are designed more toward producing high torque than for speed. They usually are geared to low speeds. The engine powers the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also needed to raise and lower the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Most modern forklift engines are powered by propane since they will be utilized indoors, where gasoline and diesel engines would be inappropriate due to the exhaust they make.
A four-cylinder engine-block is normally found in a lift truck. Much like the engine in small cars, forklift engines have cylinders which contain pistons connecting to a camshaft. Each and every cylinder head consists of a spark plug, an intake hatch and an exhaust hatch, each of them one-way and spring-loaded.
Engine Function
Propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray, once the operator starts up the forklift engine. This fine spray mixes together with air that comes from the mass air intake prior to moving into the head intake hatches of the cylinder. Every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, compressing the mixture of propane and air as each piston rises to the top of the head. With extremely exact timing, the engine's battery and alternator generate 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, causing a continuous turning of the camshaft. In the cylinder, an air pressure imbalance 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.