Around 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up from electric models. These units derive their power from extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric forklifts designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to utilize in the long run. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
Most electric forklift models that have been manufactured and engineered in North America, are used mostly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with smooth and clean surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric forklift units produce no harmful emissions, they are normally selected for indoor applications when compared to IC forklifts. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in use. The batteries for electric models weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be burdensome and time consuming. This situation normally happens at a battery charging post or an area that is specially utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Proper Fit
Using the right size of forklift to complete the particular operation is key to any business application. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Clients are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more efficient ways to reduce operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, especially as the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Using the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular type of forklift you require, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions that will allow you to make a proper selection. A lot of dealerships provide rentals of their machinery as well and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a nice way to try various units out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.