Electric lift truck units make up almost sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the first expense of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are less expensive to utilize in the long run. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of electric forklift units that have been made and engineered within North America, are used mostly in indoor settings. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use with smooth and clean surfaces. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
Due to the fact that electric lift truck models produce no harmful emissions, they are normally selected for indoor applications when compared to Internal Combustion forklifts. Electric units could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in use. Electric model batteries weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging post or an area which is particularly used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to complete the specific operation is important to any business application. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more efficient means to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, specially because the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift could greatly slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer will be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific type of forklift you require. They would ask you correct questions which would enable you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a very good 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 bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.