About 60 percent of the forklift market is made up from electric models. These units derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally provide a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expense of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally chosen for indoor applications due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, can usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to run. The batteries for electric units weigh about 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 post or an area that is particularly utilized 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
A main factor connected with any kind of lift truck is using the correct size of unit to complete the specific operation. The application itself should always dictate which product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more effective ways to lessen operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, specially since the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer will be able to help if you are unsure about the specific type of lift truck you need. They will ask you correct questions that will allow you to make a correct selection. Lots of dealerships provide rentals of their equipment also and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try various units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.