Electric lift truck models make up nearly 60 percent of the lift truck market. These models get their power from large, heavy lead-acid batteries which give the machine it's counterweight so as to prevent it from tipping over.
Based on ITA, electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 is the category that covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Though the initial investment when you purchase an electric forklift is more than an IC or internal combustion forklift, electric lift trucks are a lot less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lesser fuel and maintenance costs, than the IC models.
The majority of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped in North America is designed for moving material inside. They are usually used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the best option for inside applications because they emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
What's more, electric forklift can normally work a complete 8 hour shift on a single battery charge. Recharging, reloading and removing batteries, which roughly weigh around 3000 lbs. can be time consuming and difficult. This cumbersome task usually needs a dedicated area for handling the battery. Nevertheless, new fast charging technologies are now used to change the procedure and update this process to be able to accomplish it in a much quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be better charging technology. It has changed electric model lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling business professionals, state that these new developments within the battery technology and battery charging systems could lessen charging time by up to 50 percent!
IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
Internal combustion lift trucks depend on a range of different types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The bigger lift trucks are usually utilized outdoors. Usually, these units operate on gas or diesel and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires so as 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 popular fuel option for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled forklifts nowadays that are operating in DCs and in warehouses. These units provide numerous advantages. Like for example, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100% constant power during operation. Moreover, these models offer faster ground speeds as opposed to other power sources.