Electric forklift models make up nearly 60 percent of the lift truck market. These models are powered by heavy, huge lead-acid batteries which which prevents the machinery from tipping over since it gives it the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 lift trucks. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks in addition to other electric trucks that are made for general use. Though the first investment when purchasing an electric forklift is more as opposed to an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric trucks are much less expensive to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lesser maintenance and fuel costs, compared to the internal combustion or IC models.
Most of the electric rider lift trucks shipped within North America is made for transporting material inside. They are usually used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric units are the best choice for inside applications because they emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
Moreover, electric lift truck can 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 difficult. This cumbersome job often needs a dedicated space for handling the battery. However, new fast charging technologies are being utilized to change the procedure and update this process to be able to complete it in a much quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has changed electric unit forklifts and the charging time of their batteries. The experts of the material handling industry, state that these new changes in the battery technology and battery charging systems can cut charging time by up to 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Forklifts
The internal combustion powered forklifts would depend on types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are commonly utilized outdoors. Generally, these units operate on diesel or gas and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires in order to make them appropriate for rough terrain and steep inclines, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor applications because they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG unit is the most common fuel option for indoor trucks. These days, there are more than 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks working around the globe. These models offer a huge variety of advantages. For example, lift trucks that operate on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. In addition, these models offer faster ground speeds than other power sources.