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