Around 60 percent of the forklift market is made up by electric forklift models. These models are powered by huge, heavy lead-acid batteries that which prevents the machine from tipping over because it acts as 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 IC or internal combustion forklift, electric lift trucks are less expensive to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lesser maintenance and fuel costs, compared to the IC units.
In North America, the majority of electric rider lift trucks are designed for moving materials indoors. Electric rider forklifts are utilized most frequently in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric units are the right alternative for inside use because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric forklift could run 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 normally requires a dedicated space for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to update this process and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a a lot quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric model lift trucks and the charging time of their batteries. The material handling business experts, state that these new changes in the battery technology and battery charging systems can cut charging time by as much as 50%!
IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
Internal combustion lift trucks depend on a range of different types of fuels, including LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger lift trucks are usually utilized outdoors. Normally, these units are gas or diesel powered and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them suitable for rough terrain and steep inclines, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor use because they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks. These days, there are more than 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks operating all over the world. These units provide a huge range of advantages. For instance, propane-fueled forklifts maintain 100 percent consistent power during operation. As well, these models provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.