Used Electric Forklift Seattle - An electric forklift is a forklift truck that uses an electric motor to generate power as opposed to an internal combustion model. Electricity comes from 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. The rechargeable batteries are lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. Producing electricity with a fuel cell is similar to using a battery source; however, the fuel cell needs refueling and will bot be recharged from connecting to anything electrical.
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 only substantial difference between an electrical forklift and an internal combustion engine forklift is the source of power. Most electric forklift models are used for internal applications including warehouses and similar locations that cannot function with comprised 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
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
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
Mostly, electric forklift models are used for interior applications on even, flat floors. Battery operated forklifts stop the emission of dangerous gases and are preferred for interior locations including food-processing facilities and healthcare. 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
Lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used type of rechargeable battery. 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. 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. The main issue with these batteries is they contain a flammable electrolyte and pose a safety hazard if damaged or charged improperly which may lead to fires or explosions. Additionally, Li-ion batteries cost more compared to lead-acid batteries initially; although they need zero maintenance and provide better efficiency compared to lead-acid batteries. 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. Fuel cell-powered forklifts provide no emissions like battery-powered forklift trucks. One of the fuel cell power disadvantages is that they are approximately half as efficient as li-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. 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. 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. It is necessary to discover the pros and cons of internal combustion engine forklift models versus electric forklift models prior to making a decision.
Some of the advantages of an electrically powered forklift over an internal combustion engine are listed below.
1. Operating costs can be much lower for battery powered electrical forklifts because of the ongoing and often increasing cost of fuel.
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. The automatic braking systems on electrical forklifts helps to reduce wear and operator fatigue.
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 many of the reasons listed above, forklifts powered by electrical means have been more popular than power by internal combustion engines in recent years. Numerous circumstances however still prefer internal combustion forklifts. Certain electric forklift models disadvantages as compared to combustion models are listed 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. 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. 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.
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
