Electric forklift models make up almost sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric forklifts made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Even though the first expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are cheaper to use eventually. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most electric forklift units that have been made and designed in North America, are utilized mainly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck models produce no harmful emissions, they are typically chosen for indoor applications when compared to IC lift trucks. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in operation. Electric unit batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be time consuming and burdensome. This situation normally happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is specifically 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 method.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the right size of forklift to complete the specific application is key to any business application. The application itself must always dictate which product is chosen.
Clients are striving to find lower operating costs and more efficient ways to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could really slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer would be able to help if you are unsure about the specific kind of lift truck you need. They will ask you correct questions which will allow you to make a correct selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machines as well and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try various models out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.