Roughly 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up from electric models. These units derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally give a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric forklifts made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Though the initial expense of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are less expensive to utilize eventually. This is due to their lesser fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of electric lift truck models which have been manufactured and designed in North America, are used mostly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are usually selected for indoor applications due to the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to run. Electric model batteries weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally happens at a battery charging zone or an area which is specifically designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
A main factor associated with any kind of lift truck is utilizing the correct size of model to do the particular operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Clients are always looking for ways to lower their operating expenses and find more effective work practices that help reduce these costs, while also improving their production. Using the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a big 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 type of forklift you need, a reliable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions that would enable you to make a correct selection. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their machines also and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try various models out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.