Electric lift truck models make up almost 60 percent of the lift truck market. These models are powered by big, heavy lead-acid batteries that give the machinery it's counterweight so as to prevent it from tipping over.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced trucks in addition to other electric trucks which are made for general use. Though the initial investment when you purchase an electric forklift is more than an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric lift trucks are less costly to run and operate in the long-run. This is due to lower maintenance and fuel costs, than the IC models.
Most of the electric rider lift trucks shipped in North America is made for moving material inside. They are commonly utilized in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric units are the best alternative for inside use because they emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric lift truck can operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be difficult and time consuming. This burdensome task normally requires a dedicated space for battery handling. Nonetheless, new fast charging technologies are being used to change the procedure and update this process to be able to complete it in a a lot faster method.
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 changes within the battery technology and battery charging systems could cut charging time by as much as 50 percent!
Internal Combustion or IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
The IC powered forklifts will rely on types of fuels, such as LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are commonly utilized outdoors. Generally, these units are diesel or gas powered and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires so as to make them suitable for rough terrain and steep slopes, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for indoor applications and smooth services as 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 today which are operating in DCs and in warehouses. These units offer a wide range of advantages. For example, forklifts which operate on propane fuel maintain 100% constant power during operation. Furthermore, these models offer faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.