The electric forklift is usually the best alternative for indoor use within manufacturing and warehousing settings. This is mainly due to 2 reasons with the first being that they create zero emissions. This is a really vital factor to take into consideration for indoor work places. Out of the IC or internal combustion models, just the propane-fueled units could be used inside and these models still need really good ventilation. Diesel and gas powered units are not able to be used indoors under any circumstances.
Fuel cost is the other main advantage of electric forklifts. These units have less cost per hour compared to any of the other internal combustion or IC units. Amongst the main disadvantages to the electric forklifts is their higher initial cost. Brand new electric lift trucks can range from 20 percent to 40% more than IC models that are rated the same.
Electric lift trucks however, provide numerous benefits such as quiet operations, which can be a huge plus for indoor environments. Moreover, no need for fuel storage mean no room needs to be allotted for tanks of fuels that are both flammable and dangerous. Since electric lift trucks have less parts that move as opposed to internal combustion models, and they are typically used inside and in cleaner settings, they tend to have a longer lifespan overall.
The electric forklifts biggest downside is the batteries downtime. The big and very heavy, lead acid batteries are quite similar to the ones now found in cars. These batteries are extremely large and really powerful. Normally, batteries provide sufficient power for one regular 8-hour shift, and this means 5 or 6 hours of nonstop utilization.
Initially, charging a forklift battery takes roughly 8 hours. After the charging process is done, an additional 8 hours of cooling time is required before it can be used. Due to this long process of slow charging speed and additional cooling time, if you need lift trucks for 2 or 3 shift operations, you would need to purchase additional batteries so you can be charging the nest battery always. These extra batteries will add approximately $1000 to $2000 to purchase.
On the market nowadays, there are several new fast charge electric lift trucks. These fast charge batteries have revolutionized the industry of electric lift trucks. Their charging can be done in the course of lunch and coffee breaks, allowing them to return to work much sooner.