Around 60 percent of the lift truck market consist of electric units. These models derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally give much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Although the first expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of electric forklift models that have been made and engineered within North America, are utilized mainly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are typically chosen for indoor applications due to the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. The batteries for electric models weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging post or an area which is specifically designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
A main factor associated with any kind of forklift is using the correct size of unit to complete the specific application. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are always looking for ways to lessen their operating costs and find more efficient work practices which help reduce these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific type of forklift you need. They would ask you right questions that will enable you to make a correct choice. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their machinery too and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good 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 production.