Around 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up from electric models. These units derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally give 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 applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the first expense of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to utilize eventually. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric forklift units provide no harmful emissions, they are normally selected for indoor applications when compared to IC lift trucks. Electric models can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in operation. Electric model batteries weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Proper Fit
Using the right size of lift truck to complete the particular application is vital to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more efficient methods to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, especially since the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer will be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific kind of forklift you require. They would ask you correct questions which would allow you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machinery too and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.