Electric lift truck units make up almost 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Even though the initial cost of an electric lift truck is more than IC forklifts, electric models are less expensive to utilize in the long run. This is due to their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of electric forklift units that have been made and designed within North America, are utilized mainly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly 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 provide no harmful emissions, could 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 recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly utilized 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 process.
The Proper Fit
A main factor connected with any kind of forklift is using the right size of unit to do the particular operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more effective means to reduce operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, specially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really 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.
A trustworthy forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are unsure about the particular type of forklift you need. They will ask you right questions which would allow you to make a correct selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machines too and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try various units out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.