Electric forklift units make up nearly sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric forklifts designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Even though the first expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to operate eventually. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of electric lift truck models which have been manufactured and designed in North America, are utilized mainly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are typically chosen for indoor applications because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to run. The batteries for electric models weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging zone or an area that is specifically used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
Using the correct size of forklift to do the specific operation is key to any business application. The application itself should always dictate which product is selected.
Clients are always looking for methods to lessen their operating expenses and find more effective work practices which help lower these costs, while also improving their production. Using the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what specific kind of forklift you need, a reliable dealer will be able to ask you the right questions which will allow you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machines too and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.