Electric forklift models make up almost 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are really 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 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric lift trucks designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Although the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to utilize in the long run. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
Most electric forklift models which have been made and engineered in North America, are utilized mainly in indoor settings. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck models produce no harmful emissions, they are normally chosen for indoor applications when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric units can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in use. Electric model batteries weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging station or an area that is specially used for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
A main factor connected with any type of lift truck is using the correct size of model to do the particular operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are always looking for methods to reduce their operating expenses and find more effective work practices that help reduce these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular kind of forklift you need, a reliable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which would allow you to make a proper selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machinery also and this is a very great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try different units out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.