Electric forklift models make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally provide a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 forklifts. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are less expensive to utilize eventually. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor operations.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are typically selected for indoor applications due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, can usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to run. The batteries for electric models weigh about 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 zone or an area which is specially designed 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 Right Fit
Using the correct size of forklift to do 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 costs and more effective methods to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly since the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Using the wrong size of forklift can really slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what specific type of forklift you require, a reputable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which would enable you to make a correct choice. Lots of dealerships provide rentals of their machinery also and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a good way to try various units out to see which ones bring you the best production and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.