Electric forklift models make up nearly 60 percent of the forklift market. These units are powered by huge, heavy lead-acid batteries which which prevents the machinery from tipping over because it gives it the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also includes stand-up counterbalanced trucks in addition to other electric trucks that are made for general use. Although the first investment when you purchase an electric forklift is more compared to an IC or internal combustion truck, electric lift trucks are less expensive to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lower maintenance and fuel expenses, in comparison to the internal combustion units.
The majority of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped within North America is made for transporting material indoors. They are normally 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.
Moreover, electric lift truck could normally work 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 difficult. This burdensome task often requires a dedicated area for handling the battery. However, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to update this process and change the procedure to be able to accomplish it in a much faster way.
Fast charging technologies are considered the best charging technologies. It has revolutionized electric unit forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The experts of the material handling business, state that these new changes in the battery technology and battery charging systems could cut charging time by as much as 50 percent!
IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
The internal combustion powered forklifts would rely on types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger lift trucks are usually used outside. Usually, these units are diesel or gas powered and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires in order to make them appropriate for steep inclines and rough environment, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for indoor applications and smooth services since 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 today that are operating in DCs and in warehouses. These models offer a wide variety of benefits. For example, forklifts that run on propane fuel maintain 100% constant power during operation. Moreover, these models provide faster ground speeds compared to other power sources.