Electric forklift models make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally supply a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric forklifts made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in certain outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are normally chosen 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 really quiet to operate. The batteries for electric models weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging station or an area that is specifically utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
A main factor associated with any kind of forklift is using the correct size of unit to do the specific operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more effective methods to reduce operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, especially because the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Using the wrong size of forklift could greatly slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer would be able to assist if you are unsure about the specific kind of lift truck you require. They would ask you right questions that would allow you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their equipment as well and this is a very great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good 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 production.