Electric forklift models make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric lift trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the first expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are cheaper to utilize in the long run. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of electric lift truck units which have been made and designed in North America, are utilized mostly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are typically 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 extremely quiet to run. Electric unit batteries weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging post or an area which is particularly utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
A main factor associated with any kind of lift truck is using the right size of model to do the specific operation. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Clients are always looking for ways to reduce their operating costs and find more effective work practices which help lower these costs, while also improving their production. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A good forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific type of lift truck you need. They will ask you correct questions which would allow you to make a correct selection. A lot of dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a very 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 production and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.