Electric forklift units make up nearly 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally supply 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 use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the first expense of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to operate in the long run. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
Most of the electric rider trucks made and designed within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor applications due to the fact they provide no harmful emissions, can often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. The batteries for electric units weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be burdensome and time consuming. This situation often happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is specially used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to do the particular application is key to any business application. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for means to reduce their operating costs and find more efficient work practices which help lower these expenses, while also improving their production. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift could really slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer would be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific type of lift truck you need. They would ask you correct questions that will enable you to make a correct selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try various units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.