Electric forklift units make up nearly sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are really heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally supply a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial cost of an electric lift truck is more than IC forklifts, electric units are less expensive to operate eventually. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and engineered within North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally chosen for indoor applications because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to run. The batteries for electric units weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is specifically used for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the right size of forklift to do the specific application is key to any business operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Clients are striving to find reduce operating costs and more efficient methods to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, especially as the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Using the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer would be able to help if you are uncertain about the specific kind of forklift you require. They will ask you correct questions which would enable you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their machinery as well and this is a very great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a good 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 production.