Around 60 percent of the forklift market is made up by electric forklift units. These models are powered by heavy, large lead-acid batteries that give the equipment it's counterweight so as to avoid it from tipping over.
Based on ITA, electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 is the category that includes all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric lift trucks. Even though the first investment when purchasing an electric lift truck is more as opposed to an IC or internal combustion truck, electric trucks are less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is because of lesser fuel and maintenance expenses, than the internal combustion units.
The majority of the electric rider lift trucks shipped within North America is made for transporting material indoors. They are commonly used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. 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 could usually operate a complete 8 hour shift on one battery charge. Reloading, recharging and removing batteries, that generally weigh around 3000 lbs. could be time consuming and hard. This burdensome task usually needs a dedicated area for handling the battery. However, new fast charging technologies are being utilized to change the procedure and update this method to be able to accomplish it in a a lot quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric unit forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry experts, state that these new changes within the battery technology and battery charging systems can cut charging time by as much as 50 percent!
IC Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The internal combustion powered forklifts would rely on kinds of fuels, such as LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are usually used outdoors. Normally, these units operate on gas or diesel and utilizes pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them appropriate for rough terrain and steep inclines, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor use since they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most popular fuel option for indoor trucks. Nowadays, there are more than 600,000 propane-filled forklifts working around the globe. These units offer various advantages. Like for instance, lift trucks that run on propane fuel maintain 100 percent constant power during operation. As well, these units provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.