Approximately sixty percent of the forklift market is made up from electric models. These models derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally supply much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric forklifts designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed within North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with clean and smooth surfaces. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck units provide no harmful emissions, they are usually chosen for indoor applications when compared to IC forklifts. Electric units can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in use. Electric unit batteries weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be burdensome and time consuming. This situation normally happens at a battery charging post or an area which is particularly utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
A main factor connected with any kind of lift truck is utilizing the correct size of unit to do the specific application. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are striving to find reduce operating costs and more effective methods to reduce operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift could greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular kind of lift truck you require, a reliable dealer will be able to ask you the correct questions which will allow you to make a correct selection. Many dealerships provide rentals of their machines too and this is a very good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try different models out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.