Electric forklifts come in very handy in warehouses, factories, and other industries due to their efficiency, eco-friendliness, and ease of operation. They run on batteries, so there is no requirement for exhaust fumes, and the operations are quiet. They also become more energy-efficient compared to their gas-powered cousins, saving on big costs. Many businesses in Surrey are turning to forklift rental services for these advantages.
Now, in this article, we are going to cover a detailed overview of electric forklifts based on models, applications, advantages, and maintenance tips.
Electric Forklifts Models
There are available several different models of electric forklifts, each possessing its unique features and benefits. Some common models include:
Walkie pallet jacks
- They are the simplest of all-electric forklifts and serve at most short distances and light loads. Mostly they are found in small warehouses and retail shops.
- Walkie pallet jacks work best when moving pallets around tight spaces and corners.
- They are also a reasonable choice cost-wise, for those businesses that have been hit hard.
Rider pallet jacks
- They are similar to walkie-pallet jacks but they have a platform on which the operator can stand. They are utilized over longer distances and for heavier loads.
- The rider pallet jacks are way more comfortable to operate compared to the walkie-pallet jacks.
- They also are more versatile in that they can be used for a wider array of tasks.
Counter Balance Forklift
- They are the most popular in the electric forklift series and are involved in various activities. A counterbalance weight at the back helps them pick up heavy loads.
- Counter-balance forklifts are the most flexible type of electric forklift.
- They can handle different tasks like loading and offloading trucks, movement of pallets across a warehouse, and so on, by stacking.
Reach trucks
- They are forklifts that have a reach telescope mast, which enables them to reach high shelves. They find great applications in warehouses that have high roofs.
- Reach trucks are best applied in warehouses having high roofs and narrow aisles.
- They can also be used to store and retrieve material on high shelves.
Order picker
- They are order-picking equipment mainly used on high shelves. They have a platform that lifts the operator to the respective height.
- Order pickers efficiently pick orders from high shelves.
- They can pick up orders from low shelves.
Applications of Electric Forklifts
Warehousing and distribution
- Electric forklifts are operated inside warehouses and distribution centers to move pallets of goods from one place to another.
- They are also used to load and unload trucks and for transporting pallets from one warehouse to another.
Manufacturing
- Electric forklifts are used inside factories to move materials to the production lines and finished products to warehouses.
- They may also be used inside factories to move heavy machinery and equipment from one location to another.
- They are also used for the movement of merchandise around retail stores.
- They can also be used to load and offload lorries and move merchandise between different shops.
Construction
- Electric forklifts can be applied to move materials around a construction site.
- They may also be used in loading and offloading of Lorries and moving materials between different construction sites.
Advantages of Electric Forklifts
Electric forklifts have quite several advantages, which include the following:
Zero Emission
Electric forklifts do not have fumes from the exhaust at all, which makes them more environmentally friendly compared to gas-powered forklifts. This may be important to improve the quality of the air inside warehouses or any other indoor environment.
Low Operational Cost
Electric forklifts use less fuel compared with gas-powered forklifts, and this may turn out to be a huge savings. This could help in the reduction of your general operational costs.
Quieter operation
Electric forklifts are much quieter compared to gas-powered ones; therefore, they provide a better working atmosphere. It can help in the reduction of noise pollution and improve the morale of workers as well.
Easier maintenance
Compared with gas-powered forklifts, electric forklifts have fewer moving parts and hence require less expensive and easier maintenance. This may help you save your maintenance costs.
Greater safety
Electric forklifts tip over less compared to their gas-powered brethren, thus making them even safer to operate. This can help reduce the occurrence of accidents and injuries.
Maintenance Tips for Electric Forklifts
To keep your electric forklift running smoothly, it is always essential to maintain a regular maintenance schedule. Some of the most important maintenance tasks include:
Charging the battery
- Be sure to charge the battery according to the instructions given by the manufacturer.
- This will help to extend the life of the battery.
- Checking the tire pressure: The tires must have the prescribed air pressure.
- This will help in running the forklift with enhanced handling and stability.
Inspecting the brakes
- The brakes should be in good working order.
- This is assurance of safety for the person operating the forklift and the people and property near the forklift.
Cleaning the forklift
- The forklift should be kept clean and free of waste and trash.
- This shall include the avoidance of probable damage to the forklift and any of its parts.
Mast Inspection
- Check if the mast is damaged.
- This will ensure safety for the person who will operate the forklift and those around it.
With these tips, you can help extend your electric forklift’s life and maintain its performance efficiency.
Other Tips
Choose the correct model of electric forklift based on needs.
Since the sale of numerous models of electric forklifts in the industry, it is necessary to be selecting the right model to serve one’s purpose.
This will ensure the best out of the forklift.
Train your operators to be able to operate the forklift safely.
One must ensure the safety of one’s operators and everybody else within the vicinity from possible accidents that might arise due to poor or inadequate training of the operator.
Regularly inspect the forklift for any signs of damage or wear.
Early detection may salvage expensive repairs, which will help in elongating the life of your forklift and preventing downtime.
Conclusion
Electric forktrucks are versatile and quite efficient in a wide range of applications. You can look up electric forklifts for sale offline or in online stores. They have many benefits compared to gas-powered forklift models: reduced emissions, reduced operating costs, and reduced servicing. Proper adherence to a maintenance schedule is crucial if you want your electric forklift to serve you well and last long.
