Electric lift truck units make up nearly 60% of the whole material handling market. Powering these models are extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their massive weight, these batteries naturally offer a lot of the counterweight.
The counterbalanced version of lift trucks have been classed as Class 1 lift trucks by the ITA. Class 1 usually refers to electric forklifts made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Even though the first expense of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are cheaper to use eventually. This is because of their lesser maintenance and fuel costs.
Most of the electric rider trucks made and designed in North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the launch of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider units in some outdoor operations.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor applications because of the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are very quiet to run. Electric model batteries weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and burdensome. This situation often happens at a battery charging zone or an area which is particularly used for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
Using the right size of lift truck to do the particular operation is vital to any business operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is selected.
Customers are always looking for ways to reduce their operating expenses and find more efficient work practices that help reduce these expenses, while also improving their productivity. Utilizing the wrong size of forklift can really slow things down and have a big impact on the bottom line and profitability of a company, while negatively affecting the production on the jobsite.
A good forklift dealer would be able to assist if you are unsure about the specific type of lift truck you need. They will ask you correct questions which will enable you to make a proper selection. Many dealerships offer rentals of their machines also and this is a very good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try different models out to see which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.