Electric lift truck models make up almost 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally supply a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric lift trucks designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Even though the initial expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are cheaper to use in the long run. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most electric lift truck models which have been made and designed within North America, are used mostly in indoor settings. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models 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 lift trucks. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in operation. The batteries for electric models weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging post or an area which is specially utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Proper Fit
Using the right size of forklift to complete the particular application is vital to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are always looking for methods to lower their operating expenses and find more effective work practices that help lower these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific type of forklift you need, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions that would allow you to make a correct choice. A lot of dealerships offer rentals of their machinery also and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.