Electric forklift units make up almost sixty percent of the entire material handling market. Powering these models are very heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced type of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Even though the first cost of an electric lift truck is more than IC forklifts, electric units are less expensive to use in the long run. This is due to their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
Most electric forklift units which have been manufactured and engineered within North America, are utilized mostly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric forklift units produce no harmful emissions, they are typically chosen for indoor applications when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric units can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet when in use. The batteries for electric units weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be burdensome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly utilized for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Proper Fit
Using the right size of forklift to complete the specific operation is important to any business application. The application itself should always dictate which product is chosen.
Customers are always looking for methods to reduce their operating expenses and find more effective work practices that help lessen these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Using the wrong size of lift truck can really slow things down and have a huge effect on the bottom line and success of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are unsure about what particular type of forklift you need, a reputable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions which will enable you to make a proper selection. Numerous dealerships offer rentals of their machinery as well and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a huge purchase. It is also a good way to try different models out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.