Electric forklift models make up nearly sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally give a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than IC forklifts, electric models are less expensive to utilize in the long run. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and engineered within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with clean and smooth surfaces. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are typically chosen for indoor applications because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. The batteries for electric units weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be burdensome and time consuming. This situation normally happens at a battery charging station or an area which is specially utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the right size of lift truck to complete the specific operation is key to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate which product is chosen.
Clients are striving to find lessen operating expenses and more effective methods to lessen operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, particularly as the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Using the wrong size of forklift could really slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what particular type of lift truck you require, a reputable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which will allow you to make a proper selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their equipment also and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a large 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.