Electric lift truck units make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These models derive their power from huge, heavy lead-acid batteries that give the machine it's counterweight so as to avoid it from tipping over.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also encompasses stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks along with other electric trucks which are designed for general use. Even if the initial investment when you buy an electric lift truck is more compared to an IC or internal combustion forklift, electric forklifts are less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lesser maintenance and fuel costs, compared to the internal combustion models.
In North America, the majority of electric rider forklifts are designed for moving materials indoors. Electric rider forklifts are used most frequently in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the right alternative for inside use because they make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
In addition, electric forklift can generally operate a complete 8 hour shift on one battery charge. Reloading, recharging and removing batteries, that generally weigh about 3000 lbs. can be time consuming and difficult. This burdensome job often needs a dedicated area for battery handling. Then again, new fast charging technologies are being utilized to update this method and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a much quicker method.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has revolutionized electric unit forklifts and the charging time of their batteries. The material handling business experts, state that these new developments in the battery charging systems and battery technology can cut charging time by up to 50 percent!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
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 larger lift trucks are commonly used outdoors. Normally, these units are diesel or gas powered and uses air-filled or pneumatic tires so as to make them appropriate for steep slopes and rough terrain, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor applications as they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most common fuel option for indoor trucks. These days, there are more than 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks working all around the globe. These units provide various advantages. Like for instance, forklifts that operate on propane fuel maintain 100 percent consistent power during operation. Also, these models provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.