Electric lift truck units make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These units get their power from heavy, huge lead-acid batteries that which prevents the machine from tipping over since it acts as the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced lift trucks are considered Class 1 lift trucks. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced trucks in addition to other electric trucks that are designed for general use. Although the first investment when you buy an electric forklift is more as opposed to an internal combustion or IC lift truck, electric trucks are a lot less costly to run and operate in the long-run. This is because of lesser maintenance and fuel expenses, than the internal combustion models.
Most of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped within North America is made for transporting material indoors. They are usually utilized in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the right alternative for inside use because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric forklift could operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The reloading, recharging and removing batteries that weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be hard and time consuming. This cumbersome job usually requires a dedicated space for battery handling. Then again, new fast charging technologies are being used to update this method and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a a lot quicker way.
This fast charging technology is considered to be better charging technology. It has revolutionized electric unit lift trucks and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling business professionals, state that these new changes within the battery charging systems and battery technology can reduce charging time by up to 50%!
Internal Combustion or IC Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
The IC powered lift truck will depend on types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG and gasoline. The bigger forklifts are normally used outdoors. Normally, these models operate on diesel or gas and utilizes air-filled or pneumatic tires so as to make them suitable for rough environment and steep inclines, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for indoor applications and smooth services since they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most popular fuel option for indoor trucks. Nowadays, there are over 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks operating all around the globe. These models offer numerous benefits. For instance, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100 percent constant power during operation. Also, these units provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.