Electric lift truck units make up nearly 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally give a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric lift trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the initial cost of an electric lift truck is more than IC forklifts, electric models are cheaper to operate eventually. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of electric forklift units that have been manufactured and engineered within North America, are used mainly in indoor environments. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
Due to the fact that electric lift truck units produce no harmful emissions, they are typically chosen for indoor operations when compared to IC forklifts. Electric units could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in operation. Electric model batteries weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging post or an area that is specially designed 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 method.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to complete the particular operation is vital to any business application. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are always looking for ways to lessen their operating expenses and find more effective work practices which help lower these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of forklift could greatly slow things down and have a big 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 help if you are unsure about the specific kind of forklift you require. They will ask you right questions which will enable you to make a proper selection. A lot of dealerships offer rentals of their equipment also and this is a 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 productivity and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.