Approximately 60 percent of the forklift market is made up by electric lift truck units. These units are powered by large, heavy lead-acid batteries which that prevents the machinery from tipping over because it acts as the counterweight.
Based on ITA, electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 is the category which includes all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric lift trucks. Although the initial investment when you purchase an electric lift truck is more than an IC or internal combustion forklift, electric lift trucks are less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses, than the IC units.
The majority of the electric rider lift trucks shipped in North America is designed for moving material indoors. They are normally utilized in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the best option for inside use since they emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric lift truck can operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries that weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be difficult and time consuming. This cumbersome job normally needs a dedicated area for battery handling. Nonetheless, new fast charging technologies are now 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 changed electric unit forklifts and the charging time of their batteries. The professionals of the material handling industry, state that these new changes within the battery charging systems and battery technology could lessen charging time by up to 50%!
IC or Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Forklifts
The internal combustion 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 commonly utilized outside. Generally, these models operate on diesel or gas and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires in order to make them appropriate for rough environment and steep inclines, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for smooth services and indoor applications as they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG unit is the most common fuel option for indoor trucks. Today, there are over 600,000 propane-filled forklifts working all around the globe. These units provide various benefits. Like for example, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100% constant power during operation. Also, these units offer faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.