Approximately 60 percent of the lift truck market consist of electric units. These units derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally give much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric forklifts designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to utilize eventually. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of electric forklift units that have been manufactured and engineered in North America, are utilized mainly in indoor environments. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck units provide no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion forklifts. Electric units could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in use. Electric model batteries weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging station or an area which is particularly utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the right size of forklift to complete the particular application is vital to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are always looking for methods to reduce their operating costs and find more efficient work practices that help lower these costs, while also improving their production. Using the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what particular kind of forklift you need, a reputable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions that would allow you to make a correct choice. Lots of dealerships offer rentals of their machinery also and this is a very good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try different models out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.