Electric lift truck units make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive 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 forklifts designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Though the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are cheaper to use eventually. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Most electric lift truck units that have been made and engineered in North America, are utilized mostly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are usually selected for indoor use because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to operate. The batteries for electric models weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often happens at a battery charging post or an area that is specially used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to complete the particular application is vital to any business application. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Clients are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more efficient means to reduce operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly because the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer will be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific kind of forklift you need. They would ask you correct questions that would allow you to make a correct selection. Lots of dealerships offer rentals of their machines too and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try various models out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.