Approximately 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up by electric forklift models. These units get their power from large, heavy lead-acid batteries which give the machinery it's counterweight so as to prevent it from tipping over.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also encompasses stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks in addition to other electric trucks that are made for general use. Though the initial investment when purchasing an electric forklift is more compared to an IC or internal combustion truck, electric forklifts are much less expensive to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lesser fuel and maintenance costs, than the IC units.
Most of the electric rider lift trucks shipped within North America is made for transporting material indoors. They are normally utilized in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the best choice for inside applications because they make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
Moreover, electric forklift could usually work a complete 8 hour shift on a single battery charge. Recharging, reloading and removing batteries, which generally weigh about 3000 lbs. could be time consuming and hard. This cumbersome job usually requires a dedicated space for handling the battery. Nonetheless, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to change the procedure and update this method to be able to accomplish it in a much quicker way.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has changed electric model forklifts 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 lessen charging time by up to 50%!
IC Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Internal combustion forklifts depend on a variety of different types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are commonly used outside. Generally, these models operate on gas or diesel and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires in order to make them suitable for rough terrain and steep slopes, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for smooth services and indoor use since they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG unit is the most popular fuel option for indoor trucks. Today, there are more than 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks operating all around the globe. These models provide various benefits. Like for instance, propane-fueled forklifts maintain 100% constant power during operation. Furthermore, these models offer faster ground speeds than other power sources.