Around sixty percent of the forklift market consist of electric units. These models derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to 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 typically refers to electric forklifts designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Though the first expense of an electric lift truck 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 electric forklift units that have been manufactured and engineered in North America, are utilized mostly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider models in certain outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric lift truck units produce no harmful emissions, they are typically chosen for indoor applications when compared to IC forklifts. Electric units could 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 could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often happens at a battery charging station or an area which is specially designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming 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 using the right size of model to do the particular operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more effective methods to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, especially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Using the wrong size of forklift can greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular type of forklift you require, a reliable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions which would allow you to make a correct choice. Many dealerships offer rentals of their equipment also and this is a very great way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with.