Electric lift truck units make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive 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. Though the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to use in the long run. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and engineered in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally chosen for indoor applications because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. The batteries for electric models weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation often occurs at a battery charging post 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 battery charging method.
The Proper Fit
A main factor associated with any type of forklift is using the right size of model to do the specific application. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Clients are striving to find lower operating costs and more effective methods to lessen operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly since the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what particular kind of lift truck you require, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which would enable you to make a proper selection. Lots of dealerships provide rentals of their machines too and this is a really great 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 productivity and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.