Used Electric Forklift New Jersey - 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 source is derived from either a fuel cell or internal industrial batteries. If internal batteries provide the electrical source, the batteries can be recharged by joining the battery to something 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. 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
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
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
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
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
Mostly, electric forklift models are used for interior applications on even, flat floors. 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. Their capacity to supply high current surges allows for a significant ratio of power-to-weight. 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 Li-ion or lithium-ion battery is a different kind of rechargeable battery commonly used in electric forklift models. 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. 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
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 forklift trucks operate better in cooler temperatures compared to li-ion battery models. Refrigerated warehouses rely on fuel cell models due to their ability to function in cooler locations.
Different from batteries, fuel cells rely on refueling with a fuel source to create an electrical current. 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
Electric forklift trucks can often be a better option than internal combustion engine forklifts where a lift capacity does not exceed 12,000 pounds. Numerous factors are considered to determine if the electric forklift truck is the most accurate choice. It is essential to discover the pros and cons of one forklift type to another prior to choosing a model.
Specific advantages of electric powered forklift models vs. internal combustion engine models 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. 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. 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 equipment and fatigue is reduced in electric forklift models thanks to the automatic braking technology.
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
Internal combustion forklifts have become less popular than electric forklifts over 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 typically have a limited lifting capacity of approximately 12,000 pounds or less which eliminates them as an option from larger jobs. Sometimes this means an internal combustion engine forklift is chosen even for jobsites where heavy jobs are few and far between but still a requirement.
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. In some older facilities, the electrical system may need to be upgraded to accommodate an increased voltage requirement of battery powered 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
