Electric forklift models make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These models get their power from large, heavy lead-acid batteries that that prevents the machine from tipping over because it acts as the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced trucks along with other electric trucks that are designed for general application. Even if the initial investment when buying an electric forklift is more as opposed to an IC or internal combustion forklift, electric lift trucks are less costly to run and operate in the long-run. This is due to lesser maintenance and fuel costs, compared to the IC units.
Within North America, the majority of electric rider lift trucks are designed for transporting materials indoors. Electric rider lift trucks are utilized most frequently in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric units are the right choice for inside applications due to their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
Furthermore, electric lift truck can generally operate a complete 8 hour shift on one battery charge. Reloading, recharging and removing batteries, which generally weigh about 3000 pounds can be time consuming and difficult. This cumbersome task often requires a dedicated area for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to change the procedure and update this method to be able to accomplish it in a much faster way.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has revolutionized electric unit forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry professionals, state that these new changes within the battery technology and battery charging systems can cut charging time by up to 50 percent!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered forklifts would rely on kinds of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The bigger lift trucks are commonly used outdoors. Generally, these units operate on gas or diesel and uses air-filled or pneumatic tires so as to make them suitable for rough terrain and steep slopes, 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 today which are operating within DCs and within warehouses. These models offer a wide range of advantages. Like for instance, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100 percent constant power during operation. Also, these units provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.