Used Electric Forklift Garden Grove - 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. Internal batteries often provide the electrical source. They are capable of being recharged by connecting the battery to a source that is electrically compatible. 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. They both rely on two horizontal forks that are power supplied to transport and unload and load items for short distances. The main difference between these different forklift models is their 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
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
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.
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 forklift models are mainly used on even, flat surfaces indoors. 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. 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
The most popular type of rechargeable battery is lead-acid models. The lead-acid battery’s ability to supply high surge currents means that it has a relatively 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 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 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. Like forklifts powered by battery, fuel cell power produces no local emissions. Fuel cell power efficiency is only forty to fifty percent which is roughly half as much as lithium- ion batteries. Fuels cell power offers better energy density and provides electric forklift trucks to run longer. Fuel cell forklift trucks operate better in cooler temperatures compared to li-ion battery models. For this reason, fuel cell powered forklifts are often preferred for use in colder temperatures, such as refrigerated warehouses.
Fuel cells need a fuel source in order to create an electrical current and need refueling. Fuel cells only require approximately 3 minutes to refuel instead of the much longer recharging time for rechargeable batteries. 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 forklift trucks can often be a better option than internal combustion engine forklifts where a lift capacity does not exceed 12,000 pounds. There are many factors to consider in each specific application in order to determine whether an electric forklift is the best option. It is necessary to discover the pros and cons of internal combustion engine forklift models versus electric forklift models prior to making a decision.
Certain advantages of the different types of forklift models are discussed 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 price of electricity is usually more stable and predictable than combustible fuel. This makes electrical forklifts a benefit when considering budget needs for projected operating expenses.
3. Electric forklift trucks rely on recharging stations which eliminates the requirement of fuel transportation and storage for both the equipment and the job site.
4. Battery-powered electric forklift models and fuel cell electric forklifts generate no noise pollution or dangerous emissions. Both internal combustion engine forklifts and electric models have a back-up alarm that is noisy but necessary.
5. Operator fatigue and equipment wear and tear are reduced in electric forklift models with the automatic braking system.
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. There are numerous working conditions however that make electrical models less practical. 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. 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
