Electric lift truck units make up nearly 60 percent of the forklift market. These models derive their power from heavy, large lead-acid batteries that that prevents the equipment from tipping over because it acts as the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced trucks are considered Class 1 lift trucks. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks as well as other electric trucks which are designed for general use. Though the first investment when you buy an electric forklift is more as opposed to an internal combustion or IC forklift, electric trucks are less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lesser fuel and maintenance expenses, than the IC units.
Most of the electric rider lift trucks shipped within North America is designed for transporting material indoors. They are usually used in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric units are the best choice for inside applications because of their ability to emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric lift truck could run on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The reloading, recharging and removing batteries that weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be hard and time consuming. This cumbersome task usually needs a dedicated area for handling the battery. Nevertheless, new fast charging technologies are being used to update this method and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a much quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric unit lift trucks and the charging time of their batteries. The material handling industry professionals, state that these new developments in the battery charging systems and battery technology can cut charging time by up to 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered forklifts will rely on kinds of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger forklifts are usually utilized outdoors. Normally, these units are diesel or gas powered and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires in order to make them appropriate for rough terrain and steep slopes, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for indoor use and smooth services because they are made from solid rubber.
The most common fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks today that are operating in DCs and in warehouses. These models provide numerous benefits. For instance, lift trucks that operate on propane fuel maintain 100% constant power during operation. Furthermore, these units provide faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.