Electric forklift units make up almost 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of forklifts 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. Even though the initial expense of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to use eventually. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are usually chosen for indoor applications due to the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. The batteries for electric units weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging station or an area that is specifically designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Proper Fit
Using the correct size of forklift to complete the particular operation is vital to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are always looking for methods to reduce their operating costs and find more effective work practices that help lower these costs, while also improving their production. Using the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer will be able to assist if you are unsure about the specific kind of lift truck you require. They will ask you correct questions that will enable you to make a proper choice. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their machines 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 different models out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.