What is a vertical shaft engine?

A vertical shaft engine is a type of internal combustion piston engine where the main crankshaft is arranged vertically between the cylinder block and the cylinder heads. The cylinder heads are located on the top of the engine and the pistons move up and down within the cylinders. The crankshaft is driven by the connecting rods that are connected to the pistons.

The main advantages of a vertical shaft engine are:

- Compactness: Vertical shaft engines have a smaller footprint compared to horizontal shaft engines, making them ideal for applications where space is limited.

- Ease of maintenance: Since the crankshaft is located at the bottom of the engine, it is easier to access for maintenance and repairs.

The main disadvantages of a vertical shaft engine are:

- Higher complexity: Vertical shaft engines are mechanically more complex than horizontal shaft engines due to the need for additional gearing and mechanisms to ensure proper lubrication and cooling of the crankshaft and other components.

- Limited performance: Vertical shaft engines have a higher friction loss compared to horizontal shaft engines due to the vertical arrangement of the pistons and the need for additional gears, resulting in slightly reduced power output.

Vertical shaft engines are commonly found in various applications such as lawn mowers, portable generators, pumps, and other small power equipment where compactness and ease of maintenance are more critical than maximum performance.