Benefits of Electric Forklifts
October 17, 2022 | by digital@lkda.co.za
Electric and Diesel forklifts each have their own unique advantages. Using the right forklift for your application is important for both safety and productivity.
Electric forklifts are a great fit for warehouses and manufacturing facilities that are primarily used indoors – although, with IP rated forklifts, some electric forklifts can operate outdoors as well. If your application requires indoor use and fumes or noise are a concern, then an electric forklift might be suitable for you.
Benefits of Electric Forklifts
Lower Operating Costs
Due to fewer moving parts that need to be serviced, and the use of renewable energies, electric forklifts can offer lower operational costs when compared to LPG and diesel variants.
No Fuel Storage
Electric forklifts charge at designated charging stations, so there is no need to store extra fuel on-premises – mitigating the risk of fires and other hazardous environments. Some electric forklifts might need a Battery Bay which is an added cost – Lithium-Ion batteries, however, don’t require battery bays.
Zero Emission Operation
Due to electric forklifts not using LPG or Diesel, they run clean, meaning there are no emissions during operation. This makes it ideal for indoor use and helps the environment at the same time. However, some electric forklifts give off emissions when charging unless they use Li-ion batteries.
No Noise Operation
Electric motors are far quieter than traditional combustion engines. This makes for quieter working environments that can help mitigate risk to employees and makes back-up alarms more audible.
Safer Operation
Due to electric forklifts not needing propellant, there are no propane or fuel tanks on the forklift – making it safer for the operator and warehouse.
Longer Maintenance Intervals
Electric forklifts require no motor oil and much less transmission oil; water or coolant fluids is not required, so replacing and disposing of these fluids is minimal.
Mechanical wear-and-tear is not as severe on electric motors as it is on combustion engines. This means that your electric forklift will have to be serviced less often than a combustion engine forklift – decreasing downtime and increasing productivity.
Whilst there are many advantages to electric forklifts, the right forklift will be the one that best suits the work it will be doing. Contact us, and our team of experts will help you find the right machine for the job.
