Roughly 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up by electric lift truck models. These units derive their power from large, heavy lead-acid batteries that give the equipment it's counterweight so as to prevent it from tipping over.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced trucks are considered Class 1 forklifts. The category of Class1 also encompasses stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks in addition to other electric trucks that are made for general application. Though the first investment when you buy an electric lift truck is more as opposed to an IC or internal combustion forklift, electric lift trucks are a lot less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lesser maintenance and fuel expenses, in comparison to the internal combustion or IC models.
The majority of the electric rider forklift trucks shipped in North America is made for transporting material indoors. They are commonly used in warehousing applications, and retail spaces. The electric units are the best alternative for inside use because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
The battery of an electric lift truck could operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The recharging, reloading and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds could be hard and time consuming. This burdensome job often needs a dedicated area for battery handling. However, new fast charging technologies are now utilized to update this process and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a much quicker method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric unit forklifts and the charging time of their batteries. The professionals of the material handling business, state that these new changes within the battery technology and battery charging systems could cut charging time by as much as 50 percent!
IC Counterbalanced Forklifts
The IC powered forklifts would rely on types of fuels, like LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The bigger lift trucks are commonly used outdoors. Usually, these models are diesel or gas powered and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them appropriate for steep slopes and rough environment, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for indoor applications and smooth services as they are made from solid rubber.
The most common fuel choice for indoor trucks is LPG. There are more than 600,000 propane-filled forklifts these days that are operating within DCs and within warehouses. These units provide various benefits. Like for example, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100% constant power during operation. Furthermore, these units provide faster ground speeds than other power sources.