Approximately 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up by electric forklift units. These models get their power from heavy, large lead-acid batteries which give the equipment it's counterweight in order to avoid it from tipping over.
According to the ITA, electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 is the category that includes all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Even if the initial investment when you purchase an electric lift truck is more than an internal combustion or IC lift truck, electric trucks are much less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lower fuel and maintenance expenses, than the IC models.
Within North America, most electric rider lift trucks are made for moving materials indoors. Electric rider lift trucks are used most frequently in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the best option for inside applications because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
As well, electric forklift can usually work a complete 8 hour shift on a single battery charge. Recharging, reloading and removing batteries, which roughly weigh around 3000 lbs. could be time consuming and difficult. This burdensome job often requires a dedicated area for battery handling. Nonetheless, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to change the procedure and update this process to be able to accomplish it in a much quicker way.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric unit forklifts and the charging time of their batteries. The experts of the material handling industry, state that these new developments within the battery charging systems and battery technology could lessen charging time by as much as 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered lift truck would depend on kinds of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are usually utilized outdoors. Usually, these units operate on diesel or gas and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires so as to make them suitable for steep slopes and rough environment, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for smooth services and indoor use as they are made from solid rubber.
The most common fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled forklifts these days that are operating in DCs and in warehouses. These units offer various advantages. Like for instance, propane-fueled forklifts maintain 100% constant power during operation. Furthermore, these models provide faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.