Lift truck Engines
Forklifts are classed as small-engine vehicles. The engines of the forklift all follow the principles of internal combustion, while the numerous models and makes of lift truck would have a different 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 raise the forks via a series of chain pulleys. The majority of forklift engines which are modern are powered by propane since they will be used for indoor applications, where diesel and gasoline engines would be inappropriate due to the exhaust they make.
A four-cylinder engine-block is normally found in a lift truck. Much similar to the engine in small cars, the engines of the forklift have cylinders containing pistons connecting to a camshaft. The head of each cylinder 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, when the operator starts up the forklift engine. This fine spray mixes with air which comes from the mass air intake prior to moving into the cylinder's head intake hatches. Each and every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, that compresses the mixture of propane and air as each piston rises to the top of the head. With timing which is very precise, the battery and alternator of the engine generate an electrical current which passes through the spark plug. The fuel ignites causing an explosion which drives the piston back down to the bottom of the cylinder, resulting in 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 compared to gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.