Used Electric Forklift Burbank - An electric forklift is a forklift truck that uses an electric motor to generate power as opposed to an internal combustion model. The electricity source is derived from either a fuel cell or internal industrial batteries. If the electrical source is by means of internal batteries, the batteries are rechargeable by connecting the battery to a compatible electrical source. Rechargeable battery options include lithium-ion or lead-acid. Electrical production by means of a fuel cell is similar to a battery source but cannot be recharged by connecting to an electrical source, instead requiring refueling.
Internal combustion engine forklift models and electrical forklifts can complete the same types of jobs. That is, they usually use two power-operated horizontal forks to load, transport for short distances and unload materials. The only substantial difference between an electrical forklift and an internal combustion engine forklift is the source of power. 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
These forklifts are hand-controlled, which means they do not ride on the forklift but rather is positioned in front of the forklift. The operator controls the forklift using a steering tiller.
4. Class 6: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
The Class 6 Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors are another classification. This includes models that can be used for broad application. The electric versions can be used outdoors in dry applications or used indoors.
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
A lithium-ion battery or li-ion battery is another type of rechargeable battery used in electric forklifts. Explosions or fires may result in these batteries if they are improperly charged or damaged due to the flammable electrolyte they contain. 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. Fuel cell power efficiency is only forty to fifty percent which is roughly half as much as lithium- 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. The fuel cell models are preferred for colder applications such as warehouses that are refrigerated.
Different from batteries, fuel cells rely on refueling with a fuel source to create an electrical current. However, they can be refueled in about three minutes, whereas batteries take much longer to recharge. Because of this, large operations which run several shifts and larger fleets of forklifts tend to benefit from the ability to keep the forklift operating without having to account for lengthy charging times.
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. Of course, there are many considerations to decide if the electric forklift model is the best choice for a particular application. Taking a look at the pros and cons of electric forklifts versus internal combustion engine forklifts is necessary.
Some of the advantages of an electrically powered forklift over an internal combustion engine are listed below.
1. Battery-powered electric forklift models have lower operating costs due to the increasing cost of fuel required constantly by internal combustion models.
2. The cost of electricity is more predictable and more stable compared to combustible fuel; making electric forklifts a better choice when taking budgets and operating expenses into account.
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. Both fuel cell and battery-powered electric forklifts produce zero noise pollution or emissions. Both internal combustion engine forklifts and electric models have a back-up alarm that is noisy but necessary.
5. The automatic braking systems on electrical forklifts helps to reduce wear and operator fatigue.
6. There are longer intervals between maintenance requirements for electric forklifts compared to internal combustion models due to less moving parts used by a battery-powered or a fuel cell unit.
Disadvantages of Electric Forklifts
For many of the reasons listed above, forklifts powered by electrical means have been more popular than power by internal combustion engines in recent years. However, there are still several applications that make electrical forklifts a less practical option. 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. 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 cost more than internal combustion engine units.
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.
All in all, electric forklifts have many advantages over internal combustion engine forklifts but still are not appropriate in many outdoor applications, mostly due to weather and weight restrictions.
Electric Forklift PDF
