Electric forklift units make up nearly sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Even though the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are less expensive to utilize eventually. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of electric lift truck units which have been made and designed within North America, are utilized mostly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
Due to the fact that electric lift truck models provide no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor operations when compared to IC forklifts. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in operation. Electric unit batteries weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging station or an area that is specially utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the right size of lift truck to do the particular operation is important to any business application. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Clients are striving to find lessen operating costs and more effective ways to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly because the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift could really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer would be able to assist if you are unsure about the specific type of forklift you require. They would ask you correct questions that would enable you to make a proper choice. Many dealerships offer rentals of their equipment as well and this is a really great 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 productivity.