Electric lift truck models make up almost 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally supply a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric forklifts made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Even though the initial cost of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to operate eventually. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and engineered within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric forklift models provide no harmful emissions, they are normally selected for indoor applications when compared to IC forklifts. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in operation. Electric model batteries weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging post or an area which is specially utilized 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 Proper Fit
Utilizing the correct size of lift truck to do the specific application is important to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate which product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more effective ways to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, particularly because the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good forklift dealer will be able to help if you are unsure about the particular type of forklift you require. They will ask you correct questions that would enable you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machinery too and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try various models out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.