Electric lift truck models make up nearly sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally supply much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric forklifts made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the first expense of an electric forklift is more than IC forklifts, electric models are cheaper to utilize in the long run. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are typically selected for indoor applications due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, can often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to operate. Electric unit batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often happens at a battery charging post or an area that is particularly used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
A main factor connected with any type of forklift is utilizing the correct size of model to complete the specific operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are always looking for ways to lessen their operating expenses and find more effective work practices that help reduce these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what particular type of forklift you need, a respectable dealer will be able to ask you the correct questions which would allow you to make a correct choice. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their machinery too and this is a very good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try various units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.