Electric forklift models make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These models derive their power from large, heavy lead-acid batteries that that prevents the equipment from tipping over since it acts as the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also encompasses stand-up counterbalanced trucks along with other electric trucks that are designed for general application. Even though the initial investment when you buy an electric lift truck is more than an IC or internal combustion truck, electric trucks are less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lesser fuel and maintenance costs, than the internal combustion units.
Most of the electric rider lift trucks shipped within North America is made for transporting material indoors. They are normally used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the right option for inside use because of their ability to emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric forklift could run on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The reloading, recharging and removing batteries that weigh upwards of 3000 pounds could be difficult and time consuming. This burdensome task normally needs a dedicated space for handling the battery. Then again, new fast charging technologies are being used to update this process and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a much faster method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be better charging technology. It has changed electric unit lift trucks and the charging time of their batteries. The material handling business experts, state that these new changes in the battery charging systems and battery technology could reduce charging time by up to 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Internal combustion lift trucks rely on a range of different types of fuels, such as LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger forklifts are normally utilized outside. Normally, these models operate on gas or diesel and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires in order to make them appropriate for steep inclines and rough environment, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for smooth services and indoor applications as they are made from solid rubber.
The most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are more than 600,000 propane-filled forklifts these days which are operating within DCs and in warehouses. These models provide various advantages. For example, lift trucks which run on propane fuel maintain 100 percent constant power during operation. As well, these units provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.