Electric lift truck models make up almost 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally provide 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 use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Even if the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to use in the long run. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
The majority of electric forklift units which have been manufactured and engineered in North America, are utilized mostly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. 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.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally chosen for indoor applications because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, can usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to run. Electric unit batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging station or an area that is particularly utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to do the specific operation is vital to any business application. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Clients are always looking for ways to lower their operating expenses and find more efficient work practices that help reduce these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of lift truck can 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 trustworthy lift truck dealer will be able to assist if you are uncertain about the particular kind of forklift you require. They would ask you right questions which will allow you to make a correct choice. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their equipment as well and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.