Roughly 60 percent of the lift truck market consist of electric units. These units derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally supply a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to use eventually. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Most of the electric rider trucks made and designed within North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor use because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, can normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to operate. The batteries for electric units weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is specifically utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
A main factor associated with any type of lift truck is using the correct size of unit to do the specific application. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are striving to find lower operating expenses and more effective methods to reduce operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, specially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Using the wrong size of forklift can really slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and profitability of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular type of lift truck you require, a reliable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions that will enable you to make a correct choice. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machines too and this is a really great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try various models out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.