Electric forklift models make up nearly 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide much of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
Due to the fact that electric forklift units produce no harmful emissions, they are typically chosen for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric units could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in operation. Electric unit batteries weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging post or an area which is particularly designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
A main factor associated with any kind of lift truck is utilizing the correct size of unit to complete the particular application. The application itself should always dictate which product is chosen.
Clients are striving to find lessen operating costs and more effective means to lessen operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, specially because the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are uncertain about the particular kind of lift truck you need. They would ask you correct questions that will allow you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their machinery also and this is a very great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try different models out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.