Electric lift truck units make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These models are powered by heavy, huge lead-acid batteries which give the machinery it's counterweight in order to avoid it from tipping over.
According to the ITA, electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 is the category that covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Though the initial investment when you buy an electric forklift is more than an internal combustion or IC forklift, electric lift trucks are much less costly to run and operate in the long-run. This is due to lesser maintenance and fuel costs, in comparison to the IC models.
In North America, most electric rider lift trucks are designed for moving materials indoors. Electric rider lift trucks are utilized most commonly in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the right option for inside use because they emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric lift truck could operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries that weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be hard and time consuming. This burdensome task normally needs a dedicated space for handling the battery. Nonetheless, new fast charging technologies are being used to change the procedure and update this method to be able to accomplish it in a a lot quicker way.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has changed electric unit forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry professionals, state that these new developments in the battery charging systems and battery technology could cut charging time by up to 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Forklifts
Internal combustion forklifts rely on a variety of different types of fuels, including liquid propane gas or LPG, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are normally utilized outdoors. Usually, these models operate on gas or diesel and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them appropriate for rough terrain and steep slopes, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor applications since they are made from solid rubber.
The most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are more than 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks today that are operating within DCs and within warehouses. These units provide a huge range of benefits. Like for example, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100% constant power during operation. Also, these units offer faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.