1. FORKLIFT USAGE
One type of forklift is better than the other depending on where you’re using it to move items.
Are most of your material handling activities indoors? An electric forklift is best. Its compact build means it’s easy to maneuver between aisles. And since it emits little to zero emissions, an electric forklift is perfect for clean environments such as a food processing area.
For handling materials outside, internal combustion (IC) lift trucks are preferred. They are made to be waterproof and can run at full capacity, within reasonable weather conditions. Internal combustion forklifts are known to emit fumes. That’s why they’re more effective outdoors where you don’t need to constantly ventilate the space.
2. FUELING & REFUELING YOUR FORKLIFT
Electric forklifts use a battery to power the entire system. It can last anywhere between 5 to 8 hours based on how old the battery is and how well maintained the lift truck is. When the battery is drained, you have to charge it for 8 hours to restore it to full capacity.
When you need to use an electric forklift for more than one shift, it’s helpful to have 2 or 3 batteries fully charged and on hand. Keep in mind that it may take up to 45 mins to switch out the battery, and the charging station may take up more space than you have in your facility.
That said, charging technology is advancing every day. You can now charge faster, eliminating the need for multiple batteries and change-outs. This also makes for a safer environment and reduces opportunity for workplace injury.
Internal combustion lift trucks use fossil fuels such as diesel, gasoline, and liquid propane gas (LPG) for power. One LPG tank can last the entirety of an 8-hr shift. And refueling it takes less than 5 minutes. This means you can get back to moving more materials.
Overall, electric forklifts lead to lower hourly fuel costs than internal combustion trucks. Charging batteries costs almost half as much as LPG does on average.
3. FORKLIFT MAINTENANCE
Electric forklifts have lower maintenance costs than internal combustion trucks. Electric forklifts have less moving parts, which means less upkeep. The simplistic mechanical setup as well as alternative AC motor technology leads to less repairs and reduced fire hazards.
If your facility is not set up for the demands of regular forklift maintenance - or if your business does not have the budget for it, you are better positioned to add electric forklifts to your fleet.
Call us today to discuss your requirement and get answers to all your questions. Just dial 6366-4173 or email to sales@redforklifts.com.sg
Visit our website at www.redforklifts.com.sg
Comments