Approximately sixty percent of the lift truck market consist of electric units. These units derive their power from really heavy lead-acid batteries. Because of their massive 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 made for general applications and stand-up counterbalanced trucks. Although the initial expense of an electric lift truck is more than internal combustion lift trucks, electric models are less expensive to operate in the long run. This is because of their lower maintenance and fuel costs.
Most of the electric rider trucks made and designed within North America are made for moving material within 4 walls. Electric lift trucks have usually been limited to indoor use with clean and smooth surfaces. With the introduction of some new Class 1 items, it is becoming increasingly possible to utilize electric rider units in certain outdoor applications.
When compared to IC forklifts, the electric trucks are normally selected for indoor use due to the fact they provide 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 units weigh roughly 3,000 pounds. The job of recharging, reloading and removing the batteries could be burdensome and time consuming. This situation usually occurs at a battery charging zone or an area that is specifically utilized for handling batteries. There are evolving fast charging technologies that would be available on the market and these new systems are changing the battery charging method.
The Proper 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 which product is selected.
Clients are striving to find lower operating costs and more effective means to reduce operating costs, all the while increasing their overall production, specially as the economy becomes more competitive and complex. Using the wrong size of lift truck could greatly 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 unsure about what particular type of lift truck you require, a reliable dealer would be able to ask you the correct questions which would enable you to make a proper choice. Many dealerships provide rentals of their machinery as well and this is a great way to try before you commit to such a huge 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.