Electric forklift units make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These models are powered by big, heavy lead-acid batteries that that prevents the machinery from tipping over as it gives it the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also encompasses stand-up counterbalanced trucks as well as other electric trucks which are made for general application. Although the first investment when buying an electric forklift is more as opposed to an internal combustion or IC forklift, electric trucks are less expensive to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lesser maintenance and fuel costs, in comparison to the internal combustion models.
Within North America, the majority of electric rider lift trucks are designed for moving materials indoors. Electric rider trucks are utilized most frequently in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric units are the best option for inside use due to their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric forklift can run 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 burdensome task normally requires a dedicated area for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to update this method and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a a lot quicker 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 material handling industry experts, state that these new changes in the battery charging systems and battery technology could cut charging time by as much as 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Forklifts
Internal combustion lift trucks depend on a range of different kinds of fuels, including LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger lift trucks are usually utilized outside. Generally, these units operate on gas or diesel and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires in order to make them suitable for steep inclines and rough environment, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor use since they are made from solid rubber.
The most common fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are more than 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks these days which are operating within DCs and in warehouses. These units provide a wide variety of advantages. For example, forklifts that run on propane fuel maintain 100% constant power during operation. What's more, these models provide faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.