Electric lift truck units make up almost 60 percent of the forklift market. These units are powered by huge, heavy lead-acid batteries that give the machine it's counterweight in order to prevent it from tipping over.
According to the ITA, electric counterbalanced forklifts are considered Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 is the category that covers all stand-up counterbalanced trucks and other electric forklifts. Though the initial investment when purchasing an electric forklift is more than an IC or internal combustion lift truck, electric lift trucks are much less costly to operate and run in the long-run. This is due to lesser maintenance and fuel costs, than the IC or internal combustion models.
Within North America, most electric rider lift trucks are made for moving materials indoors. Electric rider forklifts are utilized most commonly in retail spaces, and warehousing applications. The electric models are the best alternative for inside use because they emit zero toxic emissions and make less noise.
The battery of an electric forklift could operate on average for 8 hours or for one shift. The reloading, recharging and removing batteries which weigh upwards of 3000 pounds can be hard and time consuming. This cumbersome task normally requires a dedicated space for handling the battery. Then again, new fast charging technologies are being used to change the procedure and update this process to be able to complete it in a much faster method.
This fast charging technology is considered to be better charging technology. It has revolutionized electric unit forklifts and the time it takes to charge their batteries. The material handling industry professionals, state that these new developments within the battery technology and battery charging systems could lessen charging time by as much as 50%!
Internal Combustion or IC Counterbalanced Lift Trucks
IC lift trucks rely on a range of different types of fuels, including LPG or liquid propane gas, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas and gasoline. The larger forklifts are commonly used outside. Generally, these units operate on gas or diesel and uses air-filled or pneumatic tires in order to make them suitable for rough environment and steep inclines, as opposed to cushion tires. Cushion tires are more suitable for indoor use and smooth services since they are made from solid rubber.
The LPG model is the most popular fuel choice for indoor trucks. Nowadays, there are more than 600,000 propane-filled forklifts operating all over the world. These units provide numerous benefits. Like for example, propane-fueled lift trucks maintain 100% constant power during operation. Furthermore, these units offer faster ground speeds as opposed to other power sources.