Electric forklift models make up nearly 60 percent of the lift truck market. These units are powered by large, heavy lead-acid batteries which which prevents the machinery from tipping over since it gives it the counterweight.
According to the ITA, electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 is the category that covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric lift trucks. Although the initial investment when buying an electric lift truck is more than an IC or internal combustion forklift, electric forklifts are less expensive to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lower maintenance and fuel expenses, compared to the internal combustion or IC models.
Most of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped within North America is designed for moving material inside. They are normally used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the best option for inside applications due to their ability to emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric lift truck could run on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The reloading, recharging and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds could be difficult and time consuming. This cumbersome job often requires a dedicated area for battery handling. 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 faster method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be better charging technology. It has revolutionized electric unit lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry experts, state that these new changes within the battery charging systems and battery technology could reduce charging time by as much as 50 percent!
IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
IC forklifts depend on a range of different kinds of fuels, like liquid propane gas or LPG, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger forklifts are usually used outside. Generally, these units operate on diesel or gas and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires in order to make them appropriate for rough terrain and steep inclines, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for indoor applications and smooth services since they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG unit is the most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks. Nowadays, there are over 600,000 propane-filled forklifts working around the world. These models offer numerous benefits. Like for instance, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100% consistent power during operation. Moreover, these units offer faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.