The electric lift truck is generally the best option for indoor applications in manufacturing and warehousing environments. This is mostly due to 2 reasons with the first being that they produce zero emissions. This is an extremely vital factor to consider for indoor work places. Out of the IC or internal combustion models, just the propane-fueled units are able to be used inside and these models still require really good ventilation. Units that work on gas and diesel could not be used inside under any circumstances.
Fuel cost is the other main benefit of electric forklifts. These units have less cost per hour compared to any of the other IC or internal combustion units. Among the main drawbacks to the electric forklifts is their higher initial cost. Brand new electric forklifts could vary from 20 percent to 40% more compared to IC models that are similarly rated.
Electric forklifts on the other hand, provide numerous benefits such as quiet operations, which could be a big 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. As electric lift trucks have less components that move as opposed to internal combustion models, and they are normally utilized within cleaner settings and inside, they tend to have a longer overall lifespan.
The electric lift trucks biggest disadvantage is the batteries downtime. The large and very heavy, lead acid batteries are somewhat similar to those now found inside cars. These batteries are really strong and very big. Typically, batteries provide an adequate amount of power for one standard 8-hour shift, and this translates into 5 or 6 hours of nonstop utilization.
Initially, charging a lift truck battery takes approximately 8 hours. After the charging process is done, an additional 8 hours of cooling time is required before it could be used. Due to this long process of slow charging speed and extra cooling time, if you require lift trucks for 2 or 3 shift operations, you must buy extra batteries so you could be charging the nest battery always. These extra batteries would add around $1000 to $2000 to purchase.
On the market these days, there are some new fast charge electric forklifts. These fast charge batteries have revolutionized the industry of electric lift trucks. Their charging can be completed during the course of lunch and coffee breaks, enabling them to get back to work a lot faster.