Electric forklift units make up nearly sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally give much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version 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 forklifts. Though the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are less expensive to operate in the long run. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
Most of the electric rider trucks made and engineered in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are typically selected for indoor use because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. The batteries for electric units weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be burdensome and time consuming. This situation often occurs at a battery charging zone or an area that is specially designed 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 process.
The Proper Fit
Using the right size of lift truck to complete the specific operation is key to any business operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for means to reduce their operating expenses and find more effective work practices that help lower these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of forklift can really slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific kind of forklift you require, a reliable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions which would allow you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their equipment too and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.