Electric lift truck models make up nearly 60 percent of the forklift market. These models are powered by huge, heavy lead-acid batteries which that prevents the machine from tipping over because it acts as the counterweight.
Based on ITA, electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 is the category that covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Even though the initial investment when you buy an electric lift truck is more than an internal combustion or IC lift truck, electric lift trucks are much less costly to run and operate in the long-run. This is due to lesser maintenance and fuel costs, in comparison to the IC models.
Most of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped in North America is made for transporting material inside. They are commonly utilized in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the right alternative for inside applications because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
What's more, electric forklift could usually run a complete 8 hour shift on one battery charge. Reloading, recharging and removing batteries, which roughly weigh about 3000 lbs. could be time consuming and hard. This burdensome task usually needs a dedicated space for handling the battery. However, new fast charging technologies are being used to update this method and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a much faster method.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has changed electric model lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry professionals, state that these new changes within the battery charging systems and battery technology can lessen charging time by as much as 50 percent!
IC Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered forklifts will rely on types of fuels, such as LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are commonly 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 terrain and steep slopes, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor use because they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most common fuel option for indoor trucks. Today, there are more than 600,000 propane-filled forklifts operating all over the globe. These units provide various advantages. Like for instance, forklifts that run on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. In addition, these units provide faster ground speeds as opposed to other power sources.