Roughly sixty percent of the forklift market is made up from electric units. These units derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally give 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 first expense of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to utilize in the long run. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most electric forklift units that have been manufactured and engineered within North America, are utilized mostly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric forklift models provide no harmful emissions, they are normally chosen for indoor applications when compared to IC forklifts. Electric units could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in operation. The batteries for electric units weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be burdensome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is specifically utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to do the particular operation is key to any business operation. The application itself should always dictate which product is selected.
Clients are striving to find lower operating costs and more efficient means to lessen operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, specially as the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift could really slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer will be able to assist if you are unsure about the specific type of lift truck you need. They will ask you right questions which would allow you to make a proper choice. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their equipment too and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.