Electric forklift models make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These units derive their power from heavy, huge lead-acid batteries which give the machine it's counterweight so as to prevent it from tipping over.
According to the ITA, electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 is the category which covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Though the first investment when you purchase an electric lift truck is more as opposed to an IC or internal combustion truck, electric lift trucks are much less expensive to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lesser maintenance and fuel costs, in comparison to the IC models.
In North America, the majority of electric rider lift trucks are made for moving materials indoors. Electric rider forklifts are utilized most commonly in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the best alternative for inside use as they make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric lift truck can operate on average for 8 hours or for a single shift. The reloading, recharging and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be hard and time consuming. This cumbersome job usually needs a dedicated area for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are being used to update this process and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a a lot faster way.
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 professionals of the material handling industry, state that these new developments in the battery charging systems and battery technology could cut charging time by up to 50%!
IC Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered forklifts would depend on kinds of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are usually used outdoors. Usually, these models are gas or diesel powered and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them appropriate for rough terrain and steep inclines, as opposed 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 option for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks these days that are operating in DCs and within warehouses. These models provide numerous advantages. For example, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100% constant power during operation. What's more, these units provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.