Electric lift truck models make up nearly sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally provide a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Though the first cost of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to operate eventually. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of electric forklift models which have been manufactured and designed in North America, are used mainly in indoor environments. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of some 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 typically selected for indoor applications due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, can usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to operate. The batteries for electric units weigh around 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 which is specifically utilized 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 Proper Fit
Using the right size of forklift to complete the specific application is vital to any business operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are striving to find lower operating expenses and more effective ways 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 forklift can really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what particular type of lift truck you require, a reliable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which will allow you to make a proper choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their machinery as well and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good 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.