Electric forklift models make up almost 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally supply much 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 applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Even though the first cost of an electric forklift is more than IC forklifts, electric models are less expensive to operate eventually. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck models produce no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion forklifts. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in use. Electric unit batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be burdensome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging zone or an area which is specially designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
A main factor connected with any kind of lift truck is utilizing the right size of unit to do the particular operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are always looking for ways to lower their operating costs and find more efficient work practices which help lessen these expenses, while also improving their production. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift could greatly slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific kind of forklift you require, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions that will allow you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their machines too and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try various models out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.