Approximately 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 supply much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric forklifts designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Even though the first expense of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to use in the long run. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are typically chosen for indoor use because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to run. The batteries for electric units weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be burdensome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging post or an area which is specifically utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
Using the correct size of forklift to do the particular operation is key to any business application. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more efficient ways to lessen operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, particularly because the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Using the wrong size of forklift could greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer will be able to assist if you are unsure about the particular type of forklift you need. They would ask you correct questions that would enable you to make a proper selection. Lots of dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a 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.