About 60 percent of the forklift market is made up from electric models. These models derive their power from extremely heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to 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 forklifts designed for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. Even though the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric units are cheaper to utilize eventually. This is because of their lesser fuel and maintenance costs.
The majority of electric forklift units that have been manufactured and designed in North America, are utilized mainly in indoor environments. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of several new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to use electric rider models in some outdoor applications.
Because of the fact that electric forklift models provide no harmful emissions, they are typically selected for indoor applications when compared to Internal Combustion lift trucks. Electric models can complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are really quiet when in use. Electric model batteries weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries could be time consuming and cumbersome. This situation usually occurs at a battery charging station or an area which is specifically used for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging process.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of lift truck to do the specific application is key to any business operation. The application itself should always dictate what product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for methods to reduce their operating costs and find more efficient work practices which help lower these expenses, while also improving their production. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can really 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 unsure about what particular kind of forklift you require, a reliable dealer will be able to ask you the right questions which would allow you to make a correct selection. Numerous dealerships provide rentals of their machinery also 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 different models out to see which ones you and your operators are the most comfortable with and which ones bring you the best production.