Electric forklift models make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide much of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to use eventually. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
Most electric lift truck models that have been manufactured and engineered in North America, are used mostly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with clean and smooth surfaces. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are usually chosen for indoor use due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, can often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. The batteries for electric units weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation usually occurs at a battery charging post or an area that is specially used 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
Utilizing the correct size of lift truck to do the particular operation is important to any business application. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find reduce operating costs and more effective means to lessen operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, specially as the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really 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.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer will be able to help if you are unsure about the specific type of forklift you need. They will ask you correct questions that would allow you to make a proper selection. A lot of dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a really great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice 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.