About sixty percent of the forklift 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 give much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric lift trucks designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the first expense of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are less expensive to use in the long run. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and engineered in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally chosen for indoor applications due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to run. The batteries for electric models weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and burdensome. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Right Fit
A main factor connected with any type of lift truck is using the correct size of unit to do the specific application. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more efficient ways to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, specially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could really slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular type of forklift you need, a reputable dealer will be able to ask you the correct questions that will allow you to make a proper choice. A lot of dealerships provide rentals of their machines too 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 units out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.