Approximately 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up by electric lift truck models. These models are powered by heavy, big lead-acid batteries that that prevents the machine from tipping over since it acts as the counterweight.
The ITA states that electric counterbalanced forklifts 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 initial investment when buying an electric forklift is more than an internal combustion or IC truck, electric trucks are much less costly to run and operate in the long-run. This is due to lesser fuel and maintenance expenses, than the internal combustion or IC models.
The majority of the electric rider lift trucks shipped in North America is made for transporting material inside. They are normally used in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric units are the best choice for inside use because of their ability to make less noise and emit zero toxic emissions.
Moreover, electric forklift can generally operate a complete 8 hour shift on a single battery charge. Reloading, recharging and removing batteries, which generally weigh about 3000 pounds can be time consuming and hard. This cumbersome task normally needs a dedicated area for handling the battery. Nevertheless, new fast charging technologies are being used to update this method and change the procedure to be able to complete it in a much faster method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be enhanced charging technology. It has revolutionized electric unit forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry experts, state that these new changes in the battery charging systems and battery technology can reduce charging time by as much as 50%!
IC or Internal Combustion Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
IC lift trucks rely on a variety of different types of fuels, including LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger forklifts are normally used outside. Normally, these models are gas or diesel powered and uses pneumatic or air-filled tires so as to make them appropriate for rough environment and steep inclines, compared to cushion tires. Cushion tires are better suited for indoor use and smooth services since they are made from solid rubber.
The most common fuel option for indoor trucks is LPG. There are more than 600,000 propane-filled lift trucks nowadays which are operating in DCs and in warehouses. These models offer numerous benefits. Like for instance, lift trucks that operate on propane fuel maintain 100% consistent power during operation. Moreover, these units provide faster ground speeds as opposed to other power sources.