The electric lift truck is usually the most ideal choice for indoor operations in manufacturing and warehousing environments. This is mainly because of 2 reasons with the first being that they create zero emissions. This is a really important factor to take into consideration for indoor work places. Amongst the IC or internal combustion models, only the propane-fueled units could be utilized inside and these units still need really good ventilation. Units which work on diesel and gas could not be used indoors under any circumstances.
Fuel cost is the other main advantage of electric forklifts. These models have less cost per hour compared to any of the other IC or internal combustion models. Among the main drawbacks to using the electric forklifts is their higher initial cost. Brand new electric forklifts can vary from 20% to 40% more compared to internal combustion units that are rated the same.
However, electric lift trucks provide many advantages including quiet operation. This is a big plus for indoor applications. Moreover, no requirement for fuel storage mean no room needs to be allotted for tanks of fuels that are flammable and dangerous. Since electric forklifts have less moving parts than internal combustion units, and they are typically utilized within cleaner environments and indoors, they tend to have a longer overall lifespan.
The battery downtime is the biggest disadvantage of an electric forklift. These models run with heavy, big, lead-acid batteries, similar to those found in your automobile. These batteries are extremely big and really powerful. Usually, batteries provide sufficient power for one regular 8-hour shift, and this means 5 or 6 hours of continuous utilization.
Charging a lift truck battery will take about 8 hours. An additional 8 hours of cooling time is needed before it could be utilized after the charging process is completed. Due to this long method of slow charging speed and additional cooling time, if you need forklifts for 2 or 3 shift operations, you would have to purchase extra batteries so you can be charging the nest battery always. These additional batteries would add about $1000 to $2000 to the acquisition price.
On the market nowadays, there are a few new fast charge electric lift trucks. These fast charge batteries have changed the industry of electric lift trucks. Their charging can be done during the course of lunch and coffee breaks, enabling them to return to work much sooner.