Electric lift truck units make up nearly sixty percent of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally give much of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Even if the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are less expensive to use in the long run. This is because of their lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
The majority of electric lift truck models which have been made and engineered within North America, are utilized mainly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with smooth and clean surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck models produce no harmful emissions, they are usually selected for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in use. The batteries for electric units weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation often happens at a battery charging post or an area which is specially utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Proper Fit
Utilizing the right size of lift truck to complete the specific operation is vital to any business application. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more effective methods to reduce operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, specially because the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can 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 specific type of forklift you require, a reliable dealer will be able to ask you the correct questions which will enable you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machines too and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try different models out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.