Electric forklift units make up nearly sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally supply a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are less expensive to operate in the long run. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
Most electric lift truck units that have been made and designed within North America, are used mainly in indoor settings. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric forklift units provide no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor applications when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric units could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in operation. The batteries for electric models weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging station or an area which is specifically utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
A main factor connected with any type of forklift is utilizing the right size of model to do the specific application. The application itself should always dictate which product is chosen.
Customers are always looking for means to reduce their operating costs and find more efficient work practices that help lower these costs, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific type of lift truck you need, a reputable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions which will enable you to make a proper choice. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their equipment also and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try various models out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.