Electric lift truck units make up nearly 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric lift trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Though the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than IC forklifts, electric units are less expensive to use eventually. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed 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 smooth and clean. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are usually chosen for indoor use because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. Electric model batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation usually occurs at a battery charging zone or an area that is specially designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
A main factor connected with any type of lift truck is using the correct size of unit to do the specific operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more efficient methods to lessen operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, particularly as the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are uncertain about the particular type of lift truck you require. They would ask you right questions that would enable you to make a correct choice. A lot of dealerships provide rentals of their equipment as well and this is a really great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try different models out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.