Electric powered forklifts are alternatives to propane, gasoline, natural gas and diesel forklifts for cleaner, quieter indoor use. They are currently considered the best type of forklift available because they offer zero emissions, less operation noise, fewer moving parts and a longer life.
Electric powered forklifts are industrial vehicles used in and around warehouses, factories, construction sites and industrial plants for loading, storage and transportation applications. Used as an environmentally friendly alternative to propane, gasoline, natural gas and diesel forklift trucks, electric forklifts offer numerous advantages. They are durable, easy to operate and versatile vehicles which can be adjusted and adapted in order to better work within a specific space. Maneuverability is an important factor and so different types of forklifts are available which are chosen by manufacturers based on both intended application and available space. Types of forklift trucks include stand ups, narrow aisle, walkies, reach, order picker and sideloaders. These are typically available in either electric powered or fuel powered capabilities. Instead of the common four-wheel vehicle, some forklifts are also designed with three wheels for greater turning circles and range of motion within confined spaces. Electric forklifts can also be designed to handle different capacities, ranging anywhere from 2,000lbs up to 15,000lbs, making them extremely useful tools in a broad range of applications. For load positioning, lifting, lowering and moving, electric forklifts are indispensable in storage facilities, warehouses and more and are also used in atmosphere specific applications such as food processing or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Depending on the height of lift or the range of handling motion, forklifts can also be equipped with optional add-ons such as cameras on the lift or laser leveling devices on the moving parts in order to create a safer and more efficient working space. The zero emission factor of electric power also results in a cleaner work environment for employees within the material handling space, and for those operating the vehicles. The reduced noise of an electric motor in relation to a fuel engine further increases operator safety as hearing is improved. They are typically powered by either fuel cells or AC or DC batteries. Battery charging can take a number of hours, but the industrial trucks are usually able to last an entire shift on a battery charge. The batteries also often serve as a counterweight to the lifting load resulting in a more stable vehicle. Especially in forklift trucks with far reaching vertical or horizontal lifts, heavy loads can cause the trucks to become unstable, and therefore a heavy battery as a counterweight aids in making the operation of the forklift safer. Electrical forklift trucks are most commonly used in indoor applications due to the sensitive nature of electrical systems, however seals and motor compartments can be used to protect against contaminants and water entry.
