Electric Lift Truck Specifications
The forklift is a common piece of machinery utilized to carry and lift goods and materials on jobsites such as construction and warehousing. Forklifts now come in varying classes and are powered with different sources. Nowadays, electric forklifts have become popular for several industries. They are powered by rechargeable lead-acid batteries that are larger and more powerful than car batteries. In this broad category of electric lift trucks, there are different sub-types distinguished by some common specifications.
Load Capacity
Load capacity is the amount of weight that a specific type of lift truck can support.
Stroke
The stroke is the vertical lift travel of the lift truck. It describes the amount of difference between the fully-loaded and fully-raised positions of the specific lift truck.
Classes
In order to organize the features of the different units, classes of forklifts have been categorized into eight classes. Classes I, II, and III pertain to electric forklifts. Class I lift trucks cover electric motor trucks designed to be ridden by the operator while in operation. Class II electric lift trucks are manufactured for efficiency in narrow aisle environments and are recommended for stocking and pulling products inside a warehouse. Class III electric lift trucks are motor-powered hand trucks that are operated by a person who walks at the back of the unit.
Battery Specifications
The battery specifications help to give the needed information pertaining to its performance. On the lift truck is a plate that identifies the volts put out from the battery. The battery weight would normally be specified on the forklift too, as that specification is needed to know the amount of weight the lift truck must support. Typically the specification also includes the weight of the lift truck without the battery.
Input
The input is the energy the battery of the forklift is made to accept while charging. This is actually an important condition. For example, an electric forklift may be able to accept either 230 or 460 volts at a time.