Around sixty percent of the forklift market consist of electric units. These models derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally give a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric forklifts designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Even though the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to operate eventually. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of several 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 typically selected for indoor operations when compared to IC lift trucks. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in use. The batteries for electric models weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is specially utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
Using the correct size of lift truck to do the particular operation is vital to any business operation. The application itself should always dictate which product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find reduce operating costs and more effective means to reduce operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, particularly since the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck 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 forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are unsure about the specific kind of lift truck you need. They would ask you right questions which would allow you to make a proper choice. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machines too and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.