Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts

In the era of lithium-ion battery development, new technological possibilities have made electric forklifts gradually replace internal combustion vehicles on the market of material handling equipment. Electric forklifts powered by lithium-ion batteries are suitable both for work in large-scale warehouses and for outdoor operation during frost and adverse weather conditions. The main benefits that electric forklifts provide to businesses include, among others, high work efficiency, minimal maintenance costs, zero emissions, and quiet operating conditions.

What factors should be considered when purchasing an electric forklift?

On the market of both used and new electric counterbalance forklifts, many machines with diverse parameters can be found. The key element of an electric forklift is the battery. Currently, batteries used in electric forklifts can be divided into older and newer types.

Lead-acid battery in an electric forklift

Older-type batteries are lead-acid batteries (so-called acid batteries). They are most commonly found in used electric forklifts. These batteries require frequent maintenance (including checking the condition and topping up distilled water in each cell). The charging time to reach 100% is approximately 8–10 hours, and it should be remembered that the charging process should be carried out in full cycles (short partial charges negatively affect the service life of the power unit). According to current health and safety regulations, charging a lead-acid battery should take place in a specially ventilated battery room (due to the emission of harmful gases).

Lithium-ion battery in an electric forklift

New-type batteries used in electric forklifts are lithium-ion batteries. These are completely maintenance-free units, which means they do not require servicing, operator time, or additional financial input. The charging time of such batteries in electric forklifts, depending on the selected charger, ranges only from 1 to 3 hours. This type of power unit has a sealed design, which means that the battery can be charged anywhere within the company (no need for additional ventilation). Moreover, an electric forklift equipped with a lithium-ion battery may have a built-in charger that allows charging from a standard 230 V power socket. This solution enables everyday operation of the forklift in locations where a three-phase installation is not available. Additionally, the battery can be subjected to short opportunity charges (e.g. during lunch breaks), which do not negatively affect its service life.

Load capacity, lifting height, mast – electric forklift

When selecting an appropriate electric forklift, apart from the type of power unit, attention should be paid to the basic factors that apply to all forklifts available on the market. The load capacity of an electric forklift, i.e. its rated capacity, may range from as little as 1.2 t up to approximately 15 t. Most electric forklifts can be equipped with Standard, Duplex, or Triplex masts, whose maximum lifting height is around 6 m.

Electric forklift – summary

There are electric forklifts designed for occasional operation (up to 4 hours per day), as well as for intensive multi-shift work. Individual models differ in battery parameters, suspension, equipment, and specific features. In order to choose the most suitable electric forklift from a wide range of available options, it is worth consulting an advisor who will select the right model for a given application. However, it is always important to pay attention to the type of battery offered, as it has a key impact on how the electric forklift will be operated and on the final cost of the device (including maintenance).