About 60 percent of the forklift market is made up by electric lift truck units. These units are powered by heavy, huge lead-acid batteries that which prevents the machinery from tipping over as 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 lift trucks along with other electric trucks that are made for general application. Although the initial investment when buying an electric lift truck is more than an internal combustion or IC forklift, electric forklifts are a lot less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lesser fuel and maintenance expenses, than the internal combustion models.
Within North America, most electric rider lift trucks are made for moving materials indoors. Electric rider lift trucks are utilized most frequently in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the right choice for inside use because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
Also, electric forklift can usually operate a complete 8 hour shift on a single battery charge. Recharging, reloading and removing batteries, that roughly weigh approximately 3000 lbs. can be time consuming and difficult. This burdensome task often needs a dedicated area for battery handling. Nevertheless, new fast charging technologies are being utilized to change the procedure and update this method to be able to complete it in a a lot quicker way.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric model lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry professionals, state that these new changes in the battery technology and battery charging systems could lessen charging time by up to 50%!
IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
The IC powered forklifts would rely on types of fuels, such as LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are commonly used outdoors. Normally, these models are gas or diesel powered and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires in order 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 since they are made from solid rubber.
The most common fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are more than 600,000 propane-filled forklifts these days which are operating in DCs and within warehouses. These units provide various advantages. Like for example, forklifts that run on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. Also, these models provide faster ground speeds as opposed to other power sources.