Roughly 60 percent of the forklift market is made up by electric forklift units. These models derive their power from big, heavy lead-acid batteries which give the machinery it's counterweight in order to prevent it from tipping over.
According to the 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. Even though the initial investment when you buy an electric forklift is more compared to an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric lift trucks are much less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses, than the IC units.
In North America, most electric rider forklifts are designed for transporting materials indoors. Electric rider lift trucks are utilized most commonly in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the best choice for inside use since they emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric forklift can run on average for 8 hours or for a single shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries that weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be difficult and time consuming. This burdensome task normally requires a dedicated space for battery handling. Nevertheless, new fast charging technologies are being utilized to change the procedure and update this process to be able to complete it in a a lot faster method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has changed electric unit lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The experts of the material handling business, state that these new changes in the battery charging systems and battery technology can cut charging time by up to 50%!
IC Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
Internal combustion lift trucks depend on a variety of different types of fuels, such as LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger forklifts are usually used outside. Generally, these models operate on gas or diesel and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them suitable for steep inclines and rough terrain, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor use as they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most common fuel option for indoor trucks. These days, there are over 600,000 propane-filled forklifts operating around the globe. These units offer numerous benefits. Like for example, lift trucks which run on propane fuel maintain 100 percent constant power during operation. Also, these units offer faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.