Around 60 percent of the forklift market consist of electric units. These models derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Though the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in some outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are typically selected for indoor use because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, can usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. Electric unit batteries weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation usually occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is specifically designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the right size of forklift to complete the particular operation is vital to any business application. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lower operating expenses and more efficient means to lessen operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, specially because 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 success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular kind of lift truck you require, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which would enable you to make a proper choice. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machines too and this is a really great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try various models out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.