Around sixty percent of the forklift market consist of electric models. These models derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally supply 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 lift trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Although the first cost of an electric forklift is more than IC forklifts, electric units are cheaper to use in the long run. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor applications due to the fact they provide no harmful emissions, could usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. The batteries for electric models weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often happens at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly used for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the right size of lift truck to do the particular application is important to any business application. The application itself should always dictate which product is selected.
Customers are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more efficient ways to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, particularly 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 business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what particular type of forklift you require, a respectable dealer will be able to ask you the correct questions that would enable you to make a proper selection. Lots of dealerships provide rentals of their machines too and this is a very great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try different models out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.