Electric lift truck models make up almost sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally give 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 use and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to operate eventually. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel expenses.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and engineered within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric forklifts have usually been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor applications because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, can usually complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to operate. The batteries for electric units weigh around 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be burdensome and time consuming. This situation normally happens at a battery charging zone or an area which is specifically utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving 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 lift truck to complete the specific application is vital to any business operation. The application itself must always dictate what product is selected.
Clients are striving to find lessen operating costs and more effective means to reduce operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really slow things down and have a huge impact on the bottom line and productivity of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are uncertain about the specific type of lift truck you require. They will ask you right questions which would allow you to make a correct selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machinery also and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try different units out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.