Around 60 percent of the lift truck market is made up from electric units. These units derive their power from extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric forklifts designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Though the initial expense of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to use eventually. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered within North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor use because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to run. Electric unit batteries 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 station or an area that is specifically designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that would be 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 utilizing the correct size of model to complete the particular application. The application itself must always dictate which product is selected.
Clients are striving to find reduce operating costs and more efficient means to lessen operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly since the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular kind of forklift you require, a reputable dealer will be able to ask you the correct questions which would allow you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a 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 bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.