What are the two main types of diesel engines used in trucking?

The two main types of diesel engines used in trucking are two-stroke and four-stroke engines. These classifications are based on the number of strokes the piston requires to complete a full power cycle.

A two-stroke diesel engine completes a power cycle with every revolution of the crankshaft, which allows for a lighter and more compact engine design. This type can offer more power relative to its size since it produces power with every rotation.

On the other hand, the four-stroke diesel engine requires two complete revolutions of the crankshaft to complete a power cycle, consisting of four distinct strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. This design is more prevalent in trucking applications due to its efficiency, better fuel economy, and lower emissions compared to two-stroke engines.

In contrast to this, other options present different categories or types of engines that do not specifically designate diesel variations. V-type and inline typically refer to the arrangement of cylinders in engines but do not isolate diesel engines as a focus. Petrol and diesel simply differentiate fuel types rather than engine configurations. Rotary and reciprocating describe operational principles rather than specifying diesel engines, making them less relevant in this context. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone studying diesel engines in the trucking industry.