Electric forklift models make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric lift trucks designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Even though the first expense of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to utilize in the long run. This is due to their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of electric forklift models which have been made and designed in North America, are used mostly in indoor environments. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck models produce no harmful emissions, they are typically selected for indoor applications when compared to IC lift trucks. Electric units can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in use. Electric model batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is specially utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
A main factor associated with any kind of forklift is utilizing the right size of model to do the specific operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more effective methods to reduce operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly because the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can 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.
A good lift truck dealer will be able to assist if you are unsure about the particular type of forklift you require. They will ask you right questions that would allow you to make a proper selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their equipment too and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a good way to try various units out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.