Electric forklift models make up almost 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these units are really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally give a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Even if the first cost of an electric lift truck is more than IC forklifts, electric models are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are normally chosen for indoor use because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to operate. The batteries for electric units weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often happens at a battery charging station or an area that is particularly used for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
A main factor connected with any kind of forklift is utilizing the correct size of model to complete the specific operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for means to lower their operating costs and find more efficient work practices which help reduce these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific kind of lift truck you require, a reliable dealer will be able to ask you the right questions that will allow you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their equipment also and this is a really good 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 productivity and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.