Around sixty percent of the forklift market consist of electric models. These units derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally provide much of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to utilize eventually. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are typically chosen for indoor use because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, can usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. Electric model batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be burdensome and time consuming. This situation often happens at a battery charging station or an area that is specifically used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the method of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
A main factor associated with any kind of forklift is using the correct size of unit to complete the specific operation. The application itself should always dictate which product is selected.
Clients are striving to find lower operating costs and more efficient ways to reduce operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, especially as the economy becomes more competitive and complex. 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 company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what particular type of forklift you need, a reputable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which would allow you to make a correct choice. Lots of dealerships offer rentals of their equipment 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 different models out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.