Electric lift truck units make up nearly sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally provide a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric forklifts made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Though the first expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to use in the long run. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most electric forklift units that have been made and engineered within North America, are utilized mainly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are typically selected for indoor use because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to run. The batteries for electric models weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation usually occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is specifically designed 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 connected with any kind of forklift is utilizing the right size of model to complete the specific application. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are always looking for means to lessen their operating expenses and find more effective work practices which help reduce these expenses, while also improving their production. Using the wrong size of forklift could greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and profitability of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what particular type of forklift you need, a respectable dealer will be able to ask you the right questions that will enable you to make a proper selection. A lot of dealerships provide rentals of their machinery too and this is a really great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try various models out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.