About sixty percent of the forklift market is made up from electric units. These units derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally give much of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric forklifts made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Although the initial expenditure of an electric forklift is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are cheaper to operate in the long run. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
The majority of the electric rider trucks made and designed in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with smooth and clean surfaces. With the launch of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor operations.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are usually selected for indoor use due to the fact they provide no harmful emissions, can normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to run. The batteries for electric models weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging station or an area that is specifically 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 method.
The Right Fit
A main factor associated with any type of forklift is utilizing the right size of unit to do the particular operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are striving to find lessen operating expenses and more efficient means to lower operating expenses, all the while increasing their overall productivity, particularly since the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A good lift truck dealer would be able to help if you are uncertain about the specific kind of forklift you require. They will ask you right questions which will allow you to make a correct choice. Lots of dealerships provide rentals of their machines as well and this is a good way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try various units out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.