Electric forklift units make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally offer 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 applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Although the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than IC forklifts, electric units are cheaper to use in the long run. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor use due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. Electric unit batteries weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be burdensome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which 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 process of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
A main factor associated with any type of lift truck is using the correct size of model to do the particular operation. The application itself must always dictate which product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lessen operating expenses and more effective methods to lessen operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, especially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Using the wrong size of forklift can really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and profitability of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific kind of forklift you need, a reputable dealer will be able to ask you the correct questions which will enable you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.