Roughly sixty percent of the lift truck market is made up from electric models. These units derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 typically refers to electric lift trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Though the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to use eventually. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
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 usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck units provide no harmful emissions, they are normally chosen for indoor applications when compared to IC lift trucks. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in use. Electric unit batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often happens at a battery charging zone or an area that is specifically designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
A main factor connected with any kind of forklift is utilizing the right size of unit to complete the specific application. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for means to lessen their operating expenses and find more efficient work practices which help lessen these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift can really slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what specific kind of lift truck you require, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which will allow you to make a correct choice. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their equipment too and this is a really great 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 productivity.