Roughly 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up by electric lift truck models. These models are powered by heavy, big lead-acid batteries which which prevents the machine 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 includes stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks as well as other electric trucks which are designed for general application. Even though the first investment when purchasing an electric lift truck is more than an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric forklifts are a lot less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lesser maintenance and fuel expenses, than the internal combustion or IC models.
Within North America, most electric rider lift trucks are made for moving materials indoors. Electric rider lift trucks are utilized most commonly in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the right option for inside applications since they make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
Furthermore, electric forklift can normally work a complete 8 hour shift on one battery charge. Recharging, reloading and removing batteries, which roughly weigh about 3000 pounds could be time consuming and hard. This burdensome job often requires a dedicated area for battery handling. Nevertheless, new fast charging technologies are now used to change the procedure and update this method to be able to complete it in a much quicker way.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric model lift trucks and the charging time of their batteries. The professionals of the material handling business, state that these new changes in the battery charging systems and battery technology could reduce charging time by up to 50 percent!
IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
IC forklifts depend on a variety of different types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are usually used outside. Normally, these models are diesel or gas powered and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires so as to make them appropriate for steep slopes and rough environment, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for indoor applications and smooth services because they are made from solid rubber.
The most popular fuel option for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks nowadays that are operating within DCs and within warehouses. These models provide various advantages. For example, lift trucks that operate on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. Moreover, these units provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.