About 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up by electric forklift models. These units derive their power from heavy, large lead-acid batteries that that prevents the machine from tipping over since it gives it the counterweight.
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 lift trucks. Though the initial investment when buying an electric forklift is more than an IC or internal combustion truck, electric forklifts are less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lower maintenance and fuel costs, than the internal combustion units.
The majority of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped in North America is designed for transporting material inside. They are commonly utilized in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric models are the best option for inside applications because of their ability to emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
Also, electric forklift could normally run a complete 8 hour shift on a single battery charge. Recharging, reloading and removing batteries, that roughly weigh around 3000 lbs. can be time consuming and difficult. This cumbersome job normally requires a dedicated space for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are being used to update this method and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a much faster method.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has changed electric model lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling business professionals, state that these new developments within the battery charging systems and battery technology can reduce charging time by up to 50%!
Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Forklifts
The internal combustion powered lift truck would rely on types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are normally used outside. Normally, these models operate on diesel or gas and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires in order to make them appropriate for steep slopes and rough environment, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for smooth services and indoor use because they are made from solid rubber.
The most common fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are over 600,000 propane-filled forklifts today which are operating within DCs and in warehouses. These models provide various benefits. For instance, forklifts which operate on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. As well, these units provide faster ground speeds as opposed to other power sources.