About 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up by electric lift truck models. These models get their power from big, heavy lead-acid batteries which that prevents the machinery from tipping over as it acts as the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced trucks are considered Class 1 lift trucks. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks as well as other electric trucks that are designed for general use. Though the first investment when buying an electric forklift is more than an internal combustion or IC forklift, electric forklifts are much less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lower fuel and maintenance costs, than the IC models.
The majority of the electric rider lift trucks shipped within North America is designed for moving material inside. They are normally used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric units are the right option for inside use due to their ability to emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric forklift can operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds could be difficult and time consuming. This cumbersome task normally requires a dedicated space for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are now used to update this method and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a much quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has changed electric model forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling business experts, state that these new developments in the battery charging systems and battery technology could lessen charging time by as much as 50 percent!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered lift truck would rely on kinds of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are normally utilized outdoors. Normally, these models are gas or diesel powered and uses air-filled or pneumatic tires in order to make them appropriate for rough environment and steep inclines, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for smooth services and indoor applications as they are made from solid rubber.
The most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks nowadays which are operating within DCs and within warehouses. These models offer a wide variety of benefits. Like for instance, propane-fueled forklifts maintain 100 percent consistent power during operation. As well, these models provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.