About 60 percent of the lift truck 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 give a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to operate in the long run. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and engineered in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use 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.
Because of the fact that electric forklift models provide no harmful emissions, they are usually chosen for indoor applications when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in operation. Electric model batteries weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is particularly used for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Proper Fit
A main factor associated with any type of forklift is utilizing the right size of unit to complete the particular application. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for ways to reduce their operating costs and find more efficient work practices which help lower these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific kind of forklift you require, a reputable dealer will be able to ask you the right questions that would enable you to make a correct selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their equipment also and this is a 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 you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.