About sixty percent of the forklift market is made up from electric units. These units derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally give much 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 use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are less expensive to operate in the long run. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and engineered in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks 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 certain outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are normally chosen for indoor applications because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, can usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to operate. The batteries for electric models weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be burdensome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is specifically designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the right size of lift truck to complete the specific operation 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 methods to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, specially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what specific type of lift truck you require, a respectable dealer will be able to ask you the right questions which would allow you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machines as well and this is a good 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 bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.