Approximately 60 percent of the forklift market is made up by electric forklift units. These models are powered by huge, heavy lead-acid batteries which which prevents the equipment from tipping over because it gives it the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also encompasses stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks in addition to other electric trucks which are designed for general application. Though the first investment when you purchase an electric forklift is more than an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric lift trucks are much less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lower maintenance and fuel costs, in comparison to the IC or internal combustion models.
The majority of the electric rider lift trucks shipped within North America is designed for transporting material inside. They are normally used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the best option for inside applications because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric forklift can operate 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 often needs a dedicated area for handling the battery. Then again, new fast charging technologies are now used to update this process and change the procedure 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 unit lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The experts of the material handling business, state that these new developments in the battery charging systems and battery technology could cut charging time by as much as 50%!
IC or Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The internal combustion powered lift truck will depend on types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger forklifts are usually used outside. Usually, these models operate on gas or diesel and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires in order to make them suitable for steep inclines and rough terrain, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for smooth services and indoor applications because they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG unit is the most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks. Today, there are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks working around the world. These units offer numerous benefits. For example, lift trucks that operate on propane fuel maintain 100 percent constant power during operation. In addition, these models offer faster ground speeds than other power sources.