Around 60 percent of the lift truck market consist of electric units. These units derive their power from extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric forklifts made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the first expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to use in the long run. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured 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 launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
Due to the fact that electric forklift units produce no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor operations when compared to IC forklifts. Electric models can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in use. The batteries for electric units weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and burdensome. This situation usually occurs at a battery charging post 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
A main factor connected with any kind of lift truck is using the right size of model to do the specific application. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are striving to find lower operating expenses and more efficient means to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly because the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Using the wrong size of forklift could really slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer will be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific type of lift truck you need. They will ask you correct questions that will allow you to make a proper selection. A lot of dealerships provide rentals of their equipment as well and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try various models out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.