Electric lift truck units make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These models derive their power from huge, heavy lead-acid batteries which that prevents the machine from tipping over as it gives it the counterweight.
According to the ITA, electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 is the category that covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric lift trucks. Though the first investment when buying an electric lift truck is more than an internal combustion or IC lift truck, electric forklifts are a lot less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lesser maintenance and fuel expenses, than the IC models.
The majority of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped within North America is designed for transporting material inside. They are usually used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the right option for inside use because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric forklift could operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The reloading, recharging and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be hard and time consuming. This cumbersome task usually needs a dedicated space for handling the battery. Then again, new fast charging technologies are being utilized to update this method and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a a lot quicker way.
This fast charging technology is considered to be better charging technology. It has revolutionized electric model lift trucks and the charging time of their batteries. The material handling business professionals, state that these new developments in the battery charging systems and battery technology can reduce charging time by up to 50%!
IC or Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Internal combustion lift trucks rely on a variety of different types of fuels, including liquid propane gas or LPG, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are normally utilized outside. Usually, these units are diesel or gas powered and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them suitable for steep inclines and rough terrain, 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 common fuel option for indoor trucks is LPG. There are more than 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks nowadays that are operating in DCs and within warehouses. These units provide numerous advantages. Like for example, forklifts which operate on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. As well, these models offer faster ground speeds as opposed to other power sources.