Electric lift truck units make up almost 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Even if the first cost of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to use in the long run. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most electric forklift units which have been made and engineered in North America, are utilized mostly 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 utilize electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
Due to the fact that electric lift truck models provide no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor operations 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 use. The batteries for electric units weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation often happens at a battery charging station or an area that is specifically utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the right size of forklift to complete the specific application is important to any business application. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Clients are always looking for methods to lower their operating expenses and find more effective work practices that help lower these costs, 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 productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular type of forklift you need, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions which would enable you to make a correct selection. Many dealerships provide rentals of their equipment also and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.