Electric lift truck models make up almost 60% of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally supply 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 use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to utilize in the long run. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of electric lift truck models which have been manufactured and designed within North America, are utilized mostly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor operations.
When compared to Internal Combustion forklifts, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor applications because of the fact they provide no harmful emissions, can normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to operate. Electric model batteries weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging station or an area which is specially designed for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the right size of forklift to complete the specific application is important to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are striving to find reduce operating expenses and more efficient methods to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall production, specially since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer will be able to help if you are uncertain about the specific type of lift truck you require. They would ask you right questions which will allow you to make a proper choice. Lots of dealerships provide rentals of their machines as well and this is a very good way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try different units out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.