Forklift Engines
Forklifts are classified as vehicles with small engines, the same class in which lawnmowers are categorized. The engines of the forklifts all follow the principles of internal combustion. Various forklift models and brand names will have varying engine design and layout. Forklifts are made more toward generating high torque than for speed. They normally are geared to low speeds. The engine runs the forklift's drive wheels. The engine is also needed to lower and raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. The majority of modern lift truck engines are powered by propane as they will be used indoors, where diesel and gasoline engines would be unsuitable due to the exhaust they make.
A four-cylinder engine-block is usually found in a forklift. Much similar to the engine in small cars, the engines of the forklift have cylinders that contain pistons connecting to a camshaft. Every cylinder head has a spark plug, an intake hatch and an exhaust hatch, each of them spring-loaded and one-way.
Engine Function
Propane passes through the opened throttle-plate in a fine spray, when the operator starts up the forklift engine. This fine spray mixes together with air which comes from the mass air intake prior to moving into the cylinder's head intake hatches. Every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, compressing the mixture of air and propane as every piston rises to the top of the head. With extremely precise timing, the engine's battery and alternator produce an electrical current which passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites leading to an explosion that 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 the exhaust hatch to draw out exhaust when more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns cleaner than diesel and gasoline and the exhaust is not as harmful.