Electric forklift units make up nearly 60 percent of the lift truck market. These models get their power from huge, heavy lead-acid batteries that that prevents the machinery from tipping over since it gives it the counterweight.
According to the ITA, electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 is the category which includes all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Though the first investment when you buy an electric lift truck is more than an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric trucks are less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lesser fuel and maintenance expenses, than the IC models.
Most of the electric rider lift trucks shipped in North America is made for moving material inside. They are usually utilized in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric units are the best alternative for inside applications due to their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric lift truck can run on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be hard and time consuming. This cumbersome task normally needs a dedicated space for handling the battery. Then again, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to update this method and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a a lot quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has changed electric unit forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The experts of the material handling industry, state that these new developments within the battery technology and battery charging systems could reduce charging time by as much as 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Internal combustion forklifts depend on a variety of different types of fuels, including liquid propane gas or LPG, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger forklifts are commonly used outdoors. Generally, these units are diesel or gas powered and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires in order to make them appropriate for steep slopes and rough terrain, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for indoor use and smooth services since they are made from solid rubber.
The most common fuel option for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks today which are operating within DCs and in warehouses. These units offer various advantages. For instance, propane-fueled forklifts maintain 100% constant power during operation. Additionally, these models offer faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.