Electric lift truck models make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These models are powered by heavy, big lead-acid batteries that give the machinery it's counterweight in order to avoid it from tipping over.
Based on ITA, electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 is the category that includes all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Though the first investment when purchasing an electric lift truck is more than an internal combustion or IC lift truck, electric forklifts are less costly to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lower fuel and maintenance costs, than the internal combustion models.
The majority of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped within North America is designed for moving material indoors. They are normally used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric units are the best option for inside use 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 difficult and time consuming. This cumbersome task usually requires a dedicated area for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are being used to change the procedure and update this process to be able to accomplish it in a a lot faster method.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has revolutionized electric model forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry professionals, state that these new developments within the battery charging systems and battery technology could lessen charging time by up to 50 percent!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered forklifts will rely on types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger lift trucks are usually utilized outside. Usually, these units operate on gas or diesel and uses air-filled or pneumatic tires in order to make them appropriate for rough environment and steep slopes, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for indoor use and smooth services since they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG unit is the most common fuel choice for indoor trucks. These days, there are over 600,000 propane-filled forklifts working all over the world. These units provide numerous benefits. Like for instance, forklifts that operate on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. As well, these units offer faster ground speeds than other power sources.