Electric forklift units make up almost 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric forklifts designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Though the first cost of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are less expensive to operate eventually. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of electric forklift models which have been manufactured and engineered within North America, are utilized mostly in indoor environments. 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 more and more possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor applications due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to operate. The batteries for electric models weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation usually happens at a battery charging station or an area which is specially utilized 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 Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to complete the particular application is vital to any business application. The application itself should always dictate which product is chosen.
Clients are striving to find lessen operating costs and more efficient means to reduce operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly as the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good forklift dealer would be able to help if you are uncertain about the specific type of lift truck you need. They would ask you correct questions which would allow you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their machinery too and this is a really great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try various units out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.