Approximately 60 percent of the forklift market is made up by electric forklift models. These models get their power from large, heavy lead-acid batteries which that prevents the equipment from tipping over as it gives it the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 lift trucks. The category of Class1 also encompasses stand-up counterbalanced trucks along with other electric trucks that are made for general use. Though the first investment when you purchase an electric forklift is more than an internal combustion or IC truck, electric forklifts are less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lower maintenance and fuel expenses, in comparison to the IC models.
Within North America, the majority of electric rider lift trucks are made for transporting materials indoors. Electric rider lift trucks are utilized most commonly in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the right choice for inside use because of their ability to emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric forklift 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 space for handling the battery. Then again, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to update this method and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a a lot quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be better charging technology. It has changed electric model lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The professionals of the material handling industry, state that these new developments within the battery charging systems and battery technology can lessen charging time by as much as 50 percent!
IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
The internal combustion powered lift truck would rely on kinds of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are usually utilized outside. Generally, these models are diesel or gas powered and uses air-filled or pneumatic tires so as to make them suitable for steep slopes and rough environment, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for indoor applications and smooth services as they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG unit is the most common fuel choice for indoor trucks. Today, there are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks working all around the world. These units provide numerous advantages. For instance, lift trucks that operate on propane fuel maintain 100% constant power during operation. Furthermore, these units provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.