Around 60 percent of the forklift market consist of electric units. These units derive their power from extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense weight, these batteries naturally give a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced kind of forklifts have been classed as Class 1 forklifts by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric lift trucks designed for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Even if the first cost of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to use eventually. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
Most electric forklift units that have been manufactured and designed within North America, are used mainly in indoor settings. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are smooth and clean. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to utilize electric rider models in some outdoor operations.
Because of the fact that electric forklift units produce no harmful emissions, they are normally chosen for indoor operations when compared to Internal Combustion forklifts. Electric models could complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in use. Electric model batteries weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation usually happens at a battery charging station or an area that is specifically used 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 process.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to complete the specific operation is key to any business application. The application itself should always dictate which product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lessen operating expenses and more efficient ways to lower operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, especially because the economy becomes more complex and competitive. Using the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and profitability of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what specific type of lift truck you require, a reliable dealer would be able to ask you the right questions that would allow you to make a correct selection. Many dealerships provide rentals of their machinery too and this is a really 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 you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.