The most common type of forklift engine is an internal combustion engine in which fuel is burned inside an enclosed space to create pressure that turns a piston. These types of engines are typically fueled with natural gas or diesel fuel. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) has also been used as an alternative fuel for these types of engines in some countries due to its lower cost relative to other fuels and applications.
Ever needed to ask, "What is my forklift's engine?" If your forklift has a data plate, the easiest solution would be to collect your machine's model and serial and search on google for the correct engine specification. If you cannot locate the correct spec sheet, contact the manufacture of your forklift or a local dealer for assistance. If not, don't worry! We have a solution.
What type of fuel does your engine accept?
First we need to find out the fuel type for your truck. Look at the fuel cap and there should be a caution decal sticker indicating what fuel type your truck accepts. If your machine does not indicate what fuel type it accepts from the fuel cap, check to see if the engine has spark plugs. If it does, than it most likely accepts LPG/propane or gasoline. It is possible the the fuel type is printed on the engine. When we look for the model and serial of the engine, we will check for this as well.
If your forklift accepts LPG/propane as a fuel source, it will have a tank bracket and hose connection usually located on the rear of the machine on top of the counterweight.
Check for the engine make, model, and serial
The next step to identifying your forklift engine is to find the make and model name on the front of the engine. This information is usually printed on a plate or sticker, that is located near or on the valve cover.
The engine pictured below has a sticker reading "L4KB-C1, CF11, HMC2.4" as its model numbers and "L4KBLD106282" as the serial.
The sticker also tells us what fuel type our forklift takes. If you have an older forklift and can't seem to locate the engine model or serial. You will most likely have to resort to calling your local provider.
Research with the information you have obtained
Now that you have determined the fuel type, engine model, and engine serial. Open your favorite search engine and type, "Fuel type + Model number(s)", without quotes.
Eg, "LPG L4KB HMC2.4".
Which returned this engine spec-sheet. You may need to try different combinations of model numbers and partial serial for the correct information to be returned. You are at the mercy of your forklift's engine manufacture's marketing department at this point.
The information we've provided in this article should help you identify what type of forklift engine you have. Whether it's gas, diesel or, LPG/propane powered, if your model number and serial are specific enough to show up on a search engine, there is an opportunity for you to find out more about the specifications of your machine.
It can be time-consuming may save you money by knowing exactly how to best service the engine that powers your business! If not, don't worry - just give us a call and our team will take care of everything for you.
