The electric forklift is normally the most ideal alternative for indoor applications in manufacturing and warehousing settings. This is mainly because of 2 reasons with the first being that they create zero emissions. This is an extremely important factor to take into account for indoor work places. Among the IC or internal combustion models, only the propane-fueled models are able to be used indoors and these units still require really good ventilation. Diesel and gas powered models are not able to be used indoors under any circumstances.
The primary advantage of electric lift trucks is fuel costs. Compared to internal combustion or IC models, these have lower expenses per hour. Among the main drawbacks to the electric forklifts is their higher initial cost. Brand new electric lift trucks can range from 20 percent to 40% more than internal combustion models which are similarly rated.
Electric lift trucks on the other hand, provide many advantages like quiet operations, which could be a huge plus for indoor settings. In addition, no fuel storage needs mean no room needs to be allotted for tanks of fuels that are flammable and dangerous. Since electric forklifts have less parts that move compared to IC units, and they are normally utilized inside and within cleaner settings, they tend to have a longer overall lifespan.
The electric lift trucks biggest disadvantage is the batteries downtime. The big and really heavy, lead acid batteries are somewhat similar to the ones now found inside automobiles. These batteries are really big and very powerful. Usually, batteries provide sufficient power for one standard 8-hour shift, and this translates into 5 or 6 hours of nonstop utilization.
Originally, charging a forklift battery takes around 8 hours. After the charging process is completed, an extra 8 hours of cooling time is required before it could be used. Due to this long method of slow charging speed and extra cooling time, if you need lift trucks for 2 or 3 shift operations, you will have to buy extra batteries so you could be charging the nest battery always. These extra batteries would add approximately $1000 to $2000 to purchase.
There are some new fast charge electric forklifts on the market. These specialized batteries have revolutionized the electric forklift business. Their charging could be done during the course of lunch and coffee breaks, enabling them to get back to work much faster.