Electric lift truck units make up almost 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these units are really 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 made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial cost of an electric forklift is more than IC lift trucks, electric units are cheaper to use in the long run. This is due to their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
The majority of the electric rider trucks manufactured and designed in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in certain outdoor operations.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are typically chosen for indoor use because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could normally complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet to operate. Electric model batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries can be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation normally occurs at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Proper Fit
Using the right size of lift truck to complete the specific application is important to any business application. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Customers are always looking for ways to reduce their operating costs and find more efficient work practices that help lessen these expenses, while also improving their production. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck could really slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and productivity of a business, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
If you are uncertain about what specific kind of forklift you require, a respectable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which would enable you to make a proper selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machinery also and this is a really great way to try before you commit to such a large purchase. It is also a nice way to try different units out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best productivity.