Used Electric Forklift PEI - Electric forklift models do not rely on combustion engines but use an electric motor instead. Electricity comes from 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. 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. 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. Electrically powered forklifts are typically used in warehouses and other indoor facilities where an internal combustion engine would cause poor air quality for workers.
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
These types of forklifts operate in very narrow aisles, where space is limited. This allows for maximum use of storage space. Class 2 forklifts have a modified design to minimize the amount of space taken up by the forklift.
3. Class 3: Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Trucks
The Class 3 Electric Hand-Rider Trucks or Electric Motor Hand models are hand controlled. This means the operator uses a steering tiller and is positioned in front of the machine as opposed to riding on the forklift.
4. Class 6: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
This classification includes forklifts that allow for a broad application use. In the electric forklift version, they are usually used for indoor use or dry outdoor use.
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 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 main type of rechargeable battery is lead-acid batteries. 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. Lead-acid batteries require maintenance and may freeze during colder temperatures. These factors can shorten their lifespan.
Lithium-ion Battery
Another type of rechargeable battery used in electric forklift trucks is lithium-ion or li-ion batteries. 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 are also more expensive than lead-acid batteries, at least initially. However, they provide more efficiency than lead-acid batteries and require no maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries are also able to operate over a greater temperature range with higher energy densities than lead-acid batteries.
Fuel Cell
Fuel-cell powered forklifts have some of the benefits of both battery operated forklifts and internal combustion engine forklifts. Similar to battery-powered forklifts, there are no local emissions delivered from fuel cell models. One disadvantage is that fuel cell power efficiency is 40 to 50 percent which is about half the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries. Fuels cell power offers better energy density and provides electric forklift trucks to run longer. Fuel cell powered forklifts also have the advantage of performing better in lower temperatures as lithium-ion batteries. For this reason, fuel cell powered forklifts are often preferred for use in colder temperatures, such as refrigerated warehouses.
Fuel cells are different from batteries in that they require a source of fuel to produce electrical current and so require refueling. Fuel cells only require approximately 3 minutes to refuel instead of the much longer recharging time for rechargeable batteries. 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
When a lift capacity doesn’t have to be greater than 12,000 lbs. electric forklift trucks are often a better option compared to combustion engine forklift trucks. Numerous factors are considered to determine if the electric forklift truck is the most accurate choice. 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. 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. 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. 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. Electric forklifts boast greater intervals between maintenance compared to internal combustion engine models. This is mainly because there are less moving parts required by a fuel cell or battery-powered forklift model.
Disadvantages of Electric Forklifts
Internal combustion forklifts have become less popular than electric forklifts over recent years. Numerous circumstances however still prefer internal combustion forklifts. Some of the disadvantages the electrical forklift has when compared to internal combustion engine forklifts are set out 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. Facilities require recharging stations to accommodate electric forklift trucks. If there are none currently installed, this will cost significantly more.
3. Batteries need to be monitored to ensure adequate timing regarding how long they are charged. This is important since battery life can be reduced if they are charged too frequently or infrequently.
4. Electric forklift trucks cost more than internal combustion engine units.
5. Certain older buildings may need to undergo electrical upgrades to accommodate increased voltage systems.
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
