Lift truck Engines
Forklifts are classified 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 rather than for speed. They generally are geared to low speeds. The engine runs the drive wheels of the forklift. The engine is also required to lower and lift the forks via a series of chain pulleys. Most modern lift truck engines are fueled by propane because they would be used for indoor applications, where diesel and gasoline engines would be inappropriate due to the exhaust they generate.
A four-cylinder engine-block is usually found in a forklift. Much like the engine in small cars, forklift engines have cylinders containing pistons connecting to a camshaft. Every cylinder head consists of a spark plug, an intake hatch and an exhaust hatch, each of them spring-loaded and one-way.
Engine Function
Once the driver 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 cylinder head intake hatches. Every one of the four pistons is staggered to rise in an exact sequence, that compresses the propane and air mixture as each piston rises to the top of the head. With extremely precise timing, the alternator and battery of the engine generate 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, resulting in a continuous turning of the camshaft. An air pressure imbalance in the cylinder causes the the exhaust hatch to draw out exhaust as more fuel passes into the cylinder. Propane burns a lot cleaner than gasoline and diesel and the exhaust is not as harmful.