Electric lift truck units make up nearly sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric forklifts made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Though the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are cheaper to operate eventually. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
Most electric lift truck units that have been made and designed in North America, are utilized mainly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in certain outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck units provide no harmful emissions, they are normally selected for indoor applications when compared to Internal Combustion forklifts. Electric models 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 can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Proper Fit
Using the correct size of lift truck to do the particular application is vital to any business application. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more effective methods to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, especially as the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Using the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer would be able to help if you are uncertain about the specific kind of lift truck you need. They would ask you right questions which will allow you to make a correct selection. Lots of dealerships offer rentals of their machinery also and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.