Electric forklift models make up almost sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Though the initial expense of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are less expensive to use in the long run. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
Due to the fact that electric forklift units produce no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor applications when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric models can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in operation. The batteries for electric models weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly used for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
A main factor connected with any type of forklift is utilizing the correct size of unit to do the particular operation. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more efficient methods to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, especially as the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Using the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer will be able to assist if you are uncertain about the particular kind of forklift you require. They would ask you correct questions that would enable you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their equipment as well and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.