Electric forklift models make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These models are powered by heavy, huge lead-acid batteries that that prevents the machinery from tipping over because it acts as the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also encompasses stand-up counterbalanced forklifts in addition to other electric trucks that are designed for general use. Though the first investment when you buy an electric forklift is more than an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric lift trucks are much less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lower maintenance and fuel expenses, than the IC units.
In North America, the majority of electric rider lift trucks are made for transporting materials indoors. Electric rider forklifts are utilized most frequently in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric units are the right alternative for inside applications because they emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
As well, electric lift truck could generally run a complete 8 hour shift on one battery charge. Reloading, recharging and removing batteries, which generally weigh approximately 3000 pounds could be time consuming and hard. This cumbersome task usually requires a dedicated area for handling the battery. Nonetheless, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to update this method and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a much faster method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be better charging technology. It has changed electric model forklifts and the charging time of their batteries. The material handling industry professionals, state that these new changes within the battery charging systems and battery technology could reduce charging time by as much as 50%!
IC or Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Forklifts
The internal combustion powered lift truck would depend on kinds of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are normally utilized outdoors. Usually, these units are gas or diesel powered and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires so as to make them appropriate for rough environment and steep inclines, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for indoor applications and smooth services since they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG unit is the most common fuel choice for indoor trucks. Nowadays, there are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks operating all over the world. These units offer various advantages. For example, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100 percent consistent power during operation. Additionally, these models offer faster ground speeds than other power sources.