Electric lift truck models make up nearly sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally provide much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric forklifts designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the first expenditure of an electric forklift is more than IC forklifts, electric units are less expensive to operate eventually. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of electric forklift models that have been made and designed in North America, are used mainly in indoor settings. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
Due to the fact that electric forklift models provide no harmful emissions, they are usually chosen for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion forklifts. Electric units can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in operation. The batteries for electric models weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation usually happens at a battery charging station 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
Using the correct size of forklift to do the particular application is vital to any business operation. The application itself should always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are striving to find lessen operating costs and more efficient ways to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, especially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift could really slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good forklift dealer would be able to help if you are uncertain about the particular type of forklift you require. They would ask you right questions that would enable you to make a correct choice. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a good way to try different models out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.