Roughly 60 percent of the forklift market consist of electric units. These units derive their power from very heavy lead-acid batteries. Due to their immense 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 lift trucks made for general use and stand-up counterbalanced forklifts. Though the initial cost of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion forklifts, electric models are less expensive to operate in the long run. This is due to their lower maintenance and fuel expenses.
The majority of electric lift truck models which have been made and engineered within North America, are used mostly in indoor environments. Electric forklifts have traditionally been limited to indoor use with surfaces that are clean and smooth. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming more and more possible to use electric rider models in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to IC lift trucks, the electric trucks are usually selected for indoor use due to the fact they produce no harmful emissions, could often complete a full 8 hour shift on one battery charge and are extremely quiet to operate. The batteries for electric models weigh about 3,000 pounds. The job of reloading, recharging and removing the batteries can be cumbersome and time consuming. This situation normally happens at a battery charging station or an area that is specially designed for handling batteries. There are developing fast charging technologies becoming available on the market and these new systems are changing the process of charging batteries.
The Right Fit
Utilizing the correct size of forklift to complete the specific application is important to any business application. The application itself should always dictate which product is chosen.
Clients are always looking for means to reduce their operating costs and find more efficient work practices that help reduce these costs, while also improving their production. Utilizing the wrong size of lift truck can 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.
A good lift truck dealer would be able to help if you are unsure about the particular type of forklift you need. They would ask you correct questions that will enable you to make a proper choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their machinery as well and this is a really good way to try before you commit to such a big purchase. It is also a nice way to try various models out to see which ones bring you the best productivity and which ones you and your drivers are the most comfortable with.