Electric forklift models make up almost sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally supply a lot 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. Even though the first expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than IC forklifts, electric units are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
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 normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. The batteries for electric units weigh about 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 that is particularly used for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
Using the right size of forklift to complete the particular operation is important to any business application. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are always looking for ways to lessen their operating costs and find more effective work practices which help lower these costs, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift can really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer would be able to help if you are uncertain about the specific kind of lift truck you require. They would ask you right questions that will allow you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machines as well and this is a 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.