Electric lift truck models make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These units are powered by heavy, huge lead-acid batteries that give the equipment it's counterweight so as to prevent it from tipping over.
Based on ITA, electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 is the category which covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric lift trucks. Though the initial investment when you buy an electric forklift is more as opposed to an IC or internal combustion forklift, electric lift trucks are a lot less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lower fuel and maintenance costs, compared to the internal combustion units.
Most of the electric rider lift trucks shipped in North America is designed for transporting material indoors. They are usually utilized in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. 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 operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries that weigh upwards of 3000 pounds could be difficult and time consuming. This cumbersome task usually requires a dedicated area for handling the battery. However, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to update this process and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a a lot faster way.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric model lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The professionals of the material handling business, state that these new developments in the battery charging systems and battery technology can reduce charging time by as much as 50%!
Internal Combustion or IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
Internal combustion lift trucks depend on a variety of different kinds of fuels, including liquid propane gas or LPG, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are commonly utilized outside. Normally, these models operate on diesel or gas and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them appropriate for steep inclines and rough terrain, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor use because they are made from solid rubber.
The most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled forklifts these days which are operating within DCs and in warehouses. These units provide numerous advantages. Like for example, lift trucks which operate on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. What's more, these units provide faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.