Electric forklift units make up almost 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric forklifts designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are less expensive to operate eventually. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
The majority of electric lift truck units which have been made and engineered within North America, are used mostly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor use due to the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. Electric unit batteries weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging station or an area that is particularly used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to do the specific application is important to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are always looking for ways to lower their operating costs and find more effective work practices which help reduce these expenses, while also improving their production. Using the wrong size of forklift could really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer would be able to help if you are uncertain about the specific type of lift truck you require. They would ask you correct questions which will allow you to make a proper selection. A lot of dealerships provide rentals of their machines also and this is a very great way to try before you commit to such a large 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 drivers are the most comfortable with.