Electric lift truck units make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These units are powered by huge, heavy lead-acid batteries which give the equipment it's counterweight in order to prevent it from tipping over.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced trucks as well as other electric trucks that are made for general use. Although the initial investment when purchasing an electric forklift is more than an internal combustion or IC forklift, electric forklifts are a lot less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lesser fuel and maintenance costs, in comparison to the IC models.
Within North America, most electric rider forklifts are made for moving materials indoors. Electric rider trucks are utilized most commonly in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric units are the right alternative for inside use because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric forklift can run on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds could be difficult and time consuming. This cumbersome task normally requires a dedicated space for battery handling. Nonetheless, new fast charging technologies are being used to change the procedure and update this process to be able to accomplish it in a a lot faster method.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has revolutionized electric unit lift trucks and the charging time of their batteries. The experts of the material handling industry, state that these new changes within the battery charging systems and battery technology could lessen charging time by up to 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered lift truck will rely on types of fuels, such as LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are normally utilized outside. Usually, these models are gas or diesel powered and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them suitable for rough terrain and steep slopes, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for indoor applications and smooth services because they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks. These days, there are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks operating around the world. These models offer various advantages. Like for instance, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100% consistent power during operation. As well, these models offer faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.