Used Electric Forklift Inglewood - By definition, an electric forklift is a forklift truck which derives its power from an electric motor rather than an internal combustion engine. 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. The rechargeable batteries are lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. 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.
Electrical forklifts perform the same types of jobs as internal combustion engine forklifts. 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
The Class 1 Electric Motor Rider Trucks are one of the classifications. These models have cushion or pneumatic tires. Cushion tires are generally used on smooth indoor surfaces and pneumatic tires are mostly used for exterior applications.
2. Class 2: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
The Class 2 Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks are another classification. These units function within very narrow aisle locations with limited space. This design enables maximum storage space. Class 2 models feature a modified design to limit the amount of space the forklift takes up.
3. Class 3: Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Trucks
Another classification is the Class 3 Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Trucks. These machines are hand-controlled. The operator is positioned in front of the machine and relies on a steering tiller instead of riding on the forklift.
4. Class 6: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
The Class 6 Internal Combustion Engine and Electric Tractors are another lineup. This category includes forklifts that can be utilized for many jobs. The electric units may be used in exterior applications in dry situations and also function well indoors.
The types of forklift trucks that are usually electrically powered include: electric counterbalanced trucks, pallet jacks, scissor lifts, rider low lift trucks, order pickers, cushion tire forklifts, rider low stacker, reach truck, walkie low lift trucks, towing tractor trucks and walkie low stackers.
Sources of Electricity for Electric Forklifts
Electric forklifts are predominantly used indoors on flat, even surfaces. Battery-powered forklifts are better suited for interior jobs as they do not emit poisonous gases; making them ideal for food-processing and healthcare applications. Fuel cell powered forklifts also produce no local emissions and are often used in refrigerated warehouses because, unlike batteries, their performance is not reduced by the lower temperatures.
Lead-acid battery
The main type of rechargeable battery is lead-acid batteries. The battery’s ability to produce high surge currents ensures a large power-to-weight ratio. This, coupled with its affordability, make lead-acid batteries a popular option for use in electric forklift trucks. However, lead-acid batteries are susceptible to freezing in colder temperatures. They also require maintenance which, if ignored, can shorten the life of the battery.
Lithium-ion Battery
A Li-ion or lithium-ion battery is a different kind of rechargeable battery commonly used in electric forklift models. 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 initially cost more than lead-acid varieties, but they provide better efficiency and require no maintenance compared to lead-acid models. The Li-ion batteries can function with a broader temperature range compared to lead-acid batteries.
Fuel Cell
Forklifts with fuel-cell power showcase the benefits of both battery-operated forklift trucks and internal combustion models. Similar to battery-powered forklifts, there are no local emissions delivered from fuel cell models. One of the fuel cell power disadvantages is that they are approximately half as efficient as li-ion batteries. However, fuel cell power has a higher energy density which can allow electrical forklifts to run longer. Fuel cell powered forklifts also have the advantage of performing better in lower temperatures as lithium-ion batteries. Refrigerated warehouses rely on fuel cell models due to their ability to function in cooler locations.
Fuel cells are different from batteries in that they require a source of fuel to produce electrical current and so require refueling. While rechargeable batteries take a long time to recharge, fuel cells can be refilled in roughly three minutes. It is beneficial for businesses that rely on many forklifts that operate numerous shifts to use fuel cell models since they don’t have the same downtime for charging batteries.
Pros and Cons of Electrically Powered Forklifts
Advantages of Electric Forklifts
Electric forklifts are often a popular choice compared to internal combustion models if the lifting capacity doesn’t exceed 12,000 pounds. Numerous factors are considered to determine if the electric forklift truck is the most accurate choice. 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. Battery powered electric forklifts also allow for recharging at charging stations. This eliminates the necessity for fuel transportation and fuel storage, both at the worksite and onboard the forklift itself.
4. Electrical forklifts, both battery and fuel cell powered, produce no emissions or noise pollution. The only exception to this is the noise associated with the necessary back-up alarm. However, that is characteristic of internal combustion engine forklifts as well.
5. Operator equipment and fatigue is reduced in electric forklift models thanks to the automatic braking technology.
6. Electrical forklifts have longer intervals between maintenance than do internal combustion engine forklifts. This is largely due to the fewer moving parts required in a battery or fuel cell powered forklift.
Disadvantages of Electric Forklifts
For a variety of reasons, electric forklifts have become more popular in recent years over internal combustion models. There are numerous working conditions however that make electrical models less practical. Certain electric forklift models disadvantages as compared to combustion models are listed below.
1. Since electric forklifts have a lift capacity of approximately 12,000 lbs. many jobs still choose to use an internal combustion model where there are heavy lifting requirements, even when they are only occasionally needed.
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. Batteries also require that attention be given to the timing and length of a charge. This is because the life of batteries can be reduced if charged too frequently or not enough.
4. Electric forklift trucks are also initially more expensive than internal combustion engine forklifts.
5. Older facilities may require electrical upgrades for increased voltage systems to power battery forklifts.
6. Battery powered forklifts sometimes require machinery to lift or lower the heavy batteries when replacement of batteries is necessary.
Overall, electric forklift trucks provide numerous advantages compared to internal combustion engines however, they may not work in a variety of outdoor applications with their weight and weather restrictions.
Electric Forklift PDF
