Around sixty percent of the lift truck market consist of electric models. These units derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their immense weight, these batteries naturally supply a lot of the counterweight.
Counterbalanced trucks are classified by the ITA as Class 1 lift trucks. Class 1 also includes other electric trucks designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Though the first expenditure of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric models are less expensive to utilize in the long run. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
Most of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed in North America are made for transporting material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor applications with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in some outdoor applications.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are typically selected for indoor applications due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. The batteries for electric models weigh around 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 post or an area which is particularly utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that will be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Proper Fit
A main factor connected with any kind of forklift is using the correct size of unit to do the particular operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are striving to find lower operating costs and more effective ways to reduce operating costs, all the while increasing their overall productivity, specially because the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Using the wrong size of lift truck could greatly slow things down and have a big effect on the bottom line and success of a company, while negatively affecting the productivity on the jobsite.
A trustworthy lift truck dealer would be able to assist if you are unsure about the particular kind of forklift you need. They would ask you right questions that will allow you to make a proper choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their equipment too and this is a very good 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 productivity and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.