It is a fact the Nissan engine has had a solid reputation. But a major reason more companies are using the Nissan engines is compliance issues with the EPA Tier I, Tier II, Tier II EPA emission standards, plus they can avoid all the R & D costs to stay in compliance.

If you back in time - the Contiental F133, F163 and /or F227 was in all forklift brands. Can't say they were relaible unless you like warped heads, etc. but the were available and "right" priced. Even Allis Chalmers used them in there 2000, 25000 & small 3000 unit. Clark started to move away from the flat head engine w/the intro of the C500 series (1969 I believe), others followed after that.