Lift truck Engines
Forklifts are classed as small-engine vehicles. The engines of the forklift all follow the principles of internal combustion, though the numerous models and makes of lift truck will have a different layout and design. Forklifts are made more toward generating high torque than for speed. They normally are geared to low speeds. The engine powers the forklift's drive wheels. The engine is also needed to lower and lift the forks through a series of chain pulleys. Most modern forklift engines are powered by propane because they will be utilized indoors, where diesel and gasoline engines would be inappropriate due to the exhaust they generate.
Usually, the forklift is a four-cylinder engine-block. The engines of the forklift are similar to automobile engines because they hold pistons connecting to a camshaft. Every cylinder head has an intake hatch, an exhaust hatch and a spark plug, each of them one-way and spring-loaded.
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 that comes from the mass air intake prior to moving into the head intake hatches of the cylinder. Each and every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in a precise sequence, compressing the mixture of air and propane as every piston rises to the top of the head. With timing which is really precise, the battery and alternator of the engine generate an electrical current that passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites resulting in an explosion which 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 exhaust to be drawn out through the exhaust hatch as more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns a lot cleaner than diesel and gasoline and the exhaust is not as harmful.