Approximately sixty percent of the forklift market is made up from electric units. These models derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 normally refers to electric forklifts designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Although the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are less expensive to utilize eventually. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are typically chosen for indoor applications due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to operate. Electric model batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation normally happens at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly used 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 process.
The Right Fit
Using the right size of lift truck to complete the specific application is important to any business application. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are always looking for ways to reduce their operating expenses and find more effective work practices which help lessen these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of lift truck can greatly slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A good forklift dealer will be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific kind of forklift you need. They will ask you right questions which would allow you to make a proper choice. A lot of dealerships offer rentals of their equipment also and this is a very great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try various units out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.