Used Electric Forklift Ventura - Electric forklift models do not rely on combustion engines but use an electric motor instead. The electricity is sourced from either internal industrial batteries or fuel cell. If the electrical source is by means of internal batteries, the batteries are rechargeable by connecting the battery to a compatible electrical source. These rechargeable batteries are lead-acid or lithium-ion battery. Electrical production with a fuel cell is close to a battery source but requires refueling to be recharged instead of connecting to an electrical source.
Internal combustion engine forklift models and electrical forklifts can complete the same types of jobs. Both models utilize two power horizontal forks to load, transport and unload items. The source of power is the main difference between an internal combustion engine and an electrical forklift model. Typically, electric forklift models are used indoors in warehouses and similar facilities that cannot rely on internal combustion engines due to interior air quality.
Electric Forklift Classifications
The electric forklift truck can fall into one or more forklift truck classifications. They are:
1. Class 1: Electric Motor Rider Trucks
These forklifts can have pneumatic or cushion tires. Pneumatic tires are used on forklifts primarily operated outdoors in dry areas and on uneven surfaces whereas cushion tires are better on forklifts used primarily indoors, on smooth surfaces.
2. Class 2: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
These types of forklifts operate in very narrow aisles, where space is limited. This allows for maximum use of storage space. Class 2 forklifts have a modified design to minimize the amount of space taken up by the forklift.
3. Class 3: Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Trucks
The Class 3 Electric Hand-Rider Trucks or Electric Motor Hand models are hand controlled. This means the operator uses a steering tiller and is positioned in front of the machine as opposed to riding on the forklift.
4. Class 6: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
This classification includes forklifts that allow for a broad application use. In the electric forklift version, they are usually used for indoor use or dry outdoor use.
A list of forklift trucks that are typically powered by electricity are:
Sources of Electricity for Electric Forklifts
Electric forklift models are mainly used on even, flat surfaces indoors. Battery powered forklifts prevent the emission of harmful gases and are suggested for indoor facilities, such as healthcare and food-processing facilities. Refrigerated jobs prefer to use fuel cell forklifts. They make no emissions and are capable of working in colder locations without a power reduction, unlike battery-operated models.
Lead-acid battery
Lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used type of rechargeable battery. The lead-acid battery’s ability to supply high surge currents means that it has a relatively large power-to-weight ratio. Electric forklift trucks rely on lead-acid batteries that are affordable and durable. It’s important to know that lead-acid batteries can possibly freeze during frigid temperatures and this type of battery requires on-going maintenance.
Lithium-ion Battery
Another type of rechargeable battery used in electric forklift trucks is lithium-ion or li-ion batteries. The main drawback of lithium-ion batteries is that they can be a safety hazard since they contain a flammable electrolyte that, if incorrectly charged or damaged can cause explosions and fires. Lithium-ion batteries are also more expensive than lead-acid batteries, at least initially. However, they provide more efficiency than lead-acid batteries and require no maintenance. Another benefit is that the lithium-ion batteries can operate with a wider temperature range and better energy densities compared to lead-acid varieties.
Fuel Cell
Forklifts that rely on fuel-cell power feature some benefits of both internal combustion and battery-operated forklift trucks. Fuel cell-powered forklifts provide no emissions like battery-powered forklift trucks. One of the fuel cell power disadvantages is that they are approximately half as efficient as li-ion batteries. Conversely, fuel cell power provides more energy density, translating to longer running time for electric forklift trucks. Fuel cell powered forklifts also have the advantage of performing better in lower temperatures as lithium-ion batteries. For this reason, fuel cell powered forklifts are often preferred for use in colder temperatures, such as refrigerated warehouses.
Different from batteries, fuel cells rely on refueling with a fuel source to create an electrical current. Fuel cells only require approximately 3 minutes to refuel instead of the much longer recharging time for rechargeable batteries. Many larger companies that have multiple forklifts in their fleet running numerous shifts benefit from using fuel cell models that can keep operating without long periods of time spent charging.
Pros and Cons of Electrically Powered Forklifts
Advantages of Electric Forklifts
When a lift capacity doesn’t have to be greater than 12,000 lbs. electric forklift trucks are often a better option compared to combustion engine forklift trucks. There are many factors to consider in each specific application in order to determine whether an electric forklift is the best option. Taking a look at the pros and cons of electric forklifts versus internal combustion engine forklifts is necessary.
Certain advantages of the different types of forklift models are discussed below.
1. The operating costs of battery-powered electric forklifts are significantly lower compared to internal combustion models since fuel costs continue to increase.
2. Electricity costs are more predictable than fluctuating fuel costs. This makes electric forklifts are more reliable choice in terms of operating expenses and budgets.
3. There are recharging stations for battery-powered electric forklift. This system eliminates the necessity for fuel storage and transportation for both the machine and the worksite.
4. Battery-powered electric forklift models and fuel cell electric forklifts generate no noise pollution or dangerous emissions. The back-up alarm is the main exception; however, this is a normal characteristic of internal combustion forklifts as well.
5. Operator fatigue and equipment wear and tear are reduced in electric forklift models with the automatic braking system.
6. Electric forklifts boast greater intervals between maintenance compared to internal combustion engine models. This is mainly because there are less moving parts required by a fuel cell or battery-powered forklift model.
Disadvantages of Electric Forklifts
For a variety of reasons, electric forklifts have become more popular in recent years over internal combustion models. Numerous circumstances however still prefer internal combustion forklifts. Key disadvantages of the electric forklifts in comparison to internal combustion engine are discussed below.
1. Electric forklifts feature a lifting capacity of around 12k lbs. or less, limiting them from heavier jobs. This translates to using an internal combustion forklift on jobs where there is limited heavy lifting required.
2. Battery powered electrical forklifts must be recharged and therefore require sufficient recharging stations to be installed at facilities where none are already present. This could amount to a significantly increased initial expense to the buyer.
3. Battery life can be affected by improper charging. They need to be regularly monitored to ensure they are not being charged too frequently or infrequently.
4. Internal combustion engine forklifts are also less expensive compared to electric forklift models.
5. In some older facilities, the electrical system may need to be upgraded to accommodate an increased voltage requirement of battery powered forklifts.
6. Electric forklift trucks may need to use machinery to lift and lower the batteries into the unit during replacement due to their heavy nature.
Electric forklift trucks have a wide range of benefits. They may not be adequate in certain working environments due to their weather and weight restrictions so check your job list accordingly.
Electric Forklift PDF
