Roughly sixty percent of the forklift market is made up from electric models. These units derive their power from extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Even if the first cost of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to use in the long run. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
Most electric forklift models which have been made and engineered within North America, are utilized mainly in indoor environments. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
Due to the fact that electric forklift models provide no harmful emissions, they are normally selected for indoor applications when compared to IC lift trucks. Electric units can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in operation. Electric unit batteries weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
A main factor connected with any type of lift truck is utilizing the correct size of model to do the particular application. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are always looking for ways to lessen their operating expenses and find more efficient work practices which help lessen these costs, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of lift truck could really slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer would be able to help if you are unsure about the specific kind of lift truck you require. They would ask you correct questions that would enable you to make a proper selection. A lot of dealerships offer rentals of their equipment too and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a good way to try various models out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.