Approximately 60 percent of the forklift market is made up by electric lift truck models. These units are powered by heavy, huge lead-acid batteries which that prevents the machinery from tipping over since it gives it the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 lift trucks. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced forklifts along with other electric trucks which are made for general use. Though the initial investment when purchasing an electric forklift is more than an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric trucks are less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lower fuel and maintenance costs, in comparison to the IC units.
Within North America, most electric rider forklifts are designed for transporting materials indoors. Electric rider trucks are utilized most commonly in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric units are the best choice for inside use due to their ability to emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric lift truck could operate on average for 8 hours or for a single shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be hard and time consuming. This cumbersome task normally requires a dedicated space for handling the battery. However, new fast charging technologies are being used to update this process and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a a lot faster method.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has changed electric model forklifts and the charging time of their batteries. The material handling business experts, state that these new changes within the battery charging systems and battery technology can lessen charging time by as much as 50 percent!
Internal Combustion or IC Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Internal combustion lift trucks depend on a variety of different types of fuels, including liquid propane gas or LPG, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are normally utilized outdoors. Normally, these units are diesel or gas powered and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires in order to make them appropriate for rough environment and steep inclines, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for indoor use and smooth services because they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most popular fuel option for indoor trucks. Today, there are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks working all around the globe. These units offer numerous advantages. Like for example, lift trucks that run on propane fuel maintain 100% constant power during operation. Also, these units offer faster ground speeds than other power sources.