Electric forklift models make up almost sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense 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 if the first expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than IC forklifts, electric models are cheaper to use eventually. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
Most electric forklift models that have been manufactured and engineered in North America, are utilized mainly in indoor environments. Electric forklifts have traditionally 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 utilize electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric forklift models provide no harmful emissions, they are typically chosen for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric units can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in operation. The batteries for electric models weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be burdensome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging station or an area which is specially used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Right Fit
A main factor associated with any type of lift truck is using the right size of model to do the particular operation. The application itself should always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are always looking for ways to reduce their operating expenses and find more efficient work practices which help lessen these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific type of forklift you require, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions that will enable you to make a correct selection. Lots of dealerships offer rentals of their machines as well and this is a great 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 you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.