Electric forklift models make up almost 60 percent of the lift truck market. These models get their power from huge, heavy lead-acid batteries which give the machinery it's counterweight in order to avoid it from tipping over.
According to the ITA, electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 is the category which covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Though the first investment when you purchase an electric forklift is more as opposed to an IC or internal combustion forklift, electric trucks are much less expensive to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lower maintenance and fuel costs, compared to the IC models.
Most of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped in North America is designed for transporting material indoors. They are usually used in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric units are the best option for inside use because they make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
Furthermore, electric lift truck could usually run a complete 8 hour shift on one battery charge. Reloading, recharging and removing batteries, that generally weigh around 3000 lbs. can be time consuming and hard. This cumbersome task often needs a dedicated area for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to change the procedure and update this method to be able to complete it in a a lot faster way.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has changed electric unit lift trucks and the charging time of their batteries. The professionals of the material handling industry, state that these new changes within the battery charging systems and battery technology can cut charging time by up to 50%!
IC or Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Forklifts
IC lift trucks depend on a range of different types of fuels, such as LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger lift trucks are normally used outdoors. Generally, these models operate on gas or diesel and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires in order to make them appropriate for rough terrain and steep slopes, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for indoor use and smooth services because they are made from solid rubber.
The most popular fuel option for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks nowadays which are operating within DCs and in warehouses. These models provide various advantages. Like for example, lift trucks that operate on propane fuel maintain 100 percent constant power during operation. What's more, these units provide faster ground speeds as opposed to other power sources.