Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as vehicles with small engines, the same class wherein lawnmowers are categorized. Forklift engines all follow the principles of internal combustion. Various forklift models and brand names would have varying engine design and layout. Forklifts are made more toward generating high torque rather than for speed. They generally are geared to low speeds. The engine powers the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also needed to lower and raise the forks through a series of chain pulleys. Most forklift engines which are modern are powered by propane because they will be utilized for indoor applications, where diesel and gasoline engines will be inappropriate due to the exhaust they generate.
A four-cylinder engine-block is typically found in a lift truck. A lot similar to the engine in small automobiles, forklift engines have cylinders that contain pistons connecting to a camshaft. Each and every cylinder head consists of an intake hatch, an exhaust hatch and a spark plug, each of them spring-loaded and one-way.
Engine Function
Once the operator starts up the engine of the forklift, propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray and mixes together with air that comes from the mass air intake prior to moving into the head intake hatches of the cylinder. Each 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 engine's battery and alternator generate an electrical current which 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 the exhaust hatch to draw out exhaust when more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns a lot cleaner than gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.