Roughly sixty percent of the lift truck market consist of electric models. These models derive their power from extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Even though the first expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are less expensive to operate eventually. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most electric forklift models that have been made and engineered within North America, are used mainly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck units produce no harmful emissions, they are usually chosen for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion forklifts. Electric units could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in use. The batteries for electric units weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging station or an area that is particularly used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the correct size of lift truck to do the specific application is important to any business application. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Clients are striving to find lower operating expenses and more effective methods to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, especially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A good forklift dealer will be able to help if you are uncertain about the specific type of lift truck you require. They would ask you correct questions which will enable you to make a proper selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their equipment also and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice 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.