The electric forklift is normally the most ideal option for indoor applications in warehouses and manufacturing environments. This is mainly because of 2 reasons with the first being that they create zero emissions. This is an extremely vital factor to consider for indoor work places. Amongst the IC or internal combustion models, just the propane-fueled models could be utilized inside and these models still require really good ventilation. Models that run on gas and diesel are not able to be utilized inside under any circumstances.
Fuel cost is the other primary benefit of electric lift trucks. These models have less cost per hour compared to any of the other internal combustion or IC units. Among the main disadvantages to the electric forklifts is their higher initial expense. New electric lift trucks can vary from 20 percent to 40% more than IC units that are similarly rated.
However, electric lift trucks offer numerous benefits like quiet operation. This is a huge plus for indoor applications. Furthermore, no fuel storage requirements mean no room needs to be allotted for tanks of fuels that are dangerous and flammable. As electric lift trucks have less moving components as opposed to internal combustion units, and they are typically utilized inside and within cleaner environments, they tend to have a longer overall lifespan.
The battery downtime is the biggest disadvantage of an electric forklift. These models function with heavy, large, lead-acid batteries, like those found in your automobile. These batteries are extremely big and very powerful. Usually, batteries provide an adequate amount of power for one regular 8-hour shift, and this translates into 5 or 6 hours of continuous utilization.
Initially, charging a lift truck battery takes roughly 8 hours. After the charging process is completed, an extra 8 hours of cooling time is required before it can be used. Due to this long process of extra cooling time and slow charging speed, if you require lift trucks for 2 or 3 shift operations, you should purchase extra batteries so you could always be charging the next battery. These additional batteries would add roughly $1000 to $2000 to buy.
There are several new fast charge electric forklifts on the market. These specialized batteries have changed the electric lift truck industry. Their charging can be completed in the course of lunch and coffee breaks, enabling them to get back to work a lot faster.