Electric lift truck models make up almost 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally give much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the first expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to utilize eventually. 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 moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with clean and smooth surfaces. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
Due to the fact that electric forklift units provide no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor applications when compared to IC lift trucks. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in operation. The batteries for electric models weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually occurs at a battery charging post or an area that is specially designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Proper Fit
A main factor associated with any type of lift truck is utilizing the right size of model to complete the particular operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are always looking for methods to lessen their operating expenses and find more efficient work practices that help lessen these expenses, while also improving their production. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer would be able to assist if you are unsure about the specific type of forklift you require. They will ask you correct questions that would enable you to make a proper selection. Lots of dealerships provide rentals of their machinery as well and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try different models out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.