Electric lift truck models make up nearly sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Though the initial expense of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to operate eventually. This is due to their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck units produce no harmful emissions, they are typically chosen for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion forklifts. Electric units can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in operation. The batteries for electric models weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally happens at a battery charging post or an area that is particularly utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Proper Fit
A main factor connected with any kind of forklift is using the right size of unit to do the particular operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for means to reduce their operating costs and find more effective work practices that help lower these costs, while also improving their production. Using the wrong size of forklift could really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular kind of lift truck you require, a reputable dealer will be able to ask you the correct questions that will allow you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try various models out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.