Electric forklift units make up nearly 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are really heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Though the first cost of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are less expensive to use in the long run. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered within North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
Due to the fact that electric forklift units provide no harmful emissions, they are normally chosen for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in use. Electric model batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging zone or an area that is specifically designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
Using the correct size of forklift to complete the particular operation is key to any business application. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lessen operating expenses and more effective ways to lessen operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, particularly since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and profitability of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer will be able to help if you are unsure about the specific type of lift truck you need. They would ask you right questions that would allow you to make a proper choice. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their machinery also and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try various units out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.