Approximately sixty percent of the lift truck market is made up from electric units. These units derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally give much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric lift trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Even though the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than IC forklifts, electric units are less expensive to utilize in the long run. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are typically chosen for indoor use because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. The batteries for electric models weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation often happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is particularly used 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
Utilizing the correct size of lift truck to do the specific application is important to any business application. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are always looking for means to lessen their operating expenses and find more effective work practices which help lessen these costs, while also improving their production. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific type of forklift you require. They would ask you right questions which would allow you to make a correct choice. Lots of dealerships offer rentals of their machines as well and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.