Electric forklift models make up nearly sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally supply much of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Even though the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to operate eventually. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor applications.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor use because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, can often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. The batteries for electric units weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation normally happens at a battery charging zone 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 method.
The Proper Fit
A main factor connected with any kind of forklift is using the right size of model to do the particular operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for means to lower their operating expenses and find more efficient work practices that help lessen these costs, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of forklift could greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and profitability of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity 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 that would allow you to make a proper selection. A lot of dealerships provide rentals of their machinery also and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try various units out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.