An electric forklift is a type of material-handling equipment, driven by a battery-powered motor, that moves, raises, lowers or removes objects. Battery-powered forklifts are a popular option for projects across various industries, especially indoor operations. In this post, we discuss the advantages and potential use cases for electric forklifts. Continue reading to see if an electric forklift is right for your project.
What is an Electric Forklift?
Electric forklifts are significantly quieter, environmentally friendly alternatives to internal combustion forklifts. Similar to IC combustion forklifts, which are often used in heavy-duty outdoor applications, electric forklifts perform material handling tasks but are more suitable for lighter indoor applications such as moving goods within warehouses and distribution centers. When an electric forklift meets the criteria for your project, you may also benefit from some advantages of using an electric forklift vs. an internal combustion forklift. These advantages are discussed below.
Less Maintenance Required
Electric forklifts are designed without a combustion engine or transmission. This means electric forklifts have fewer moving parts compared to IC models. This translates to less maintenance and fewer breakdowns. Electric forklifts don’t require oil changes or complicated engine repairs like IC models, potentially saving users on maintenance costs and reducing costly down time.
Only a few components on an electric forklift require regular maintenance or service. Those components are the drive motors and the battery. In general, electric forklifts should be inspected and serviced after every 500 hours of work, while IC forklifts may need to be serviced every 250-300 hours.
No Emissions
Unlike IC forklifts, electric models don’t produce exhaust fumes. This significantly improves how an electric forklift impacts the environment. Electric forklifts are more energy-efficient than gas-powered forklifts and can cost significantly less to operate.
Reduced Operating Costs
Electric forklifts use rechargeable batteries as their power source. IC models run on gasoline, liquid propane or diesel fuel. The average cost of electricity to charge a forklift battery is much more affordable than the fuel costs for an IC model. That means charging an electric forklift will cost less than it does to refill the gas tank on an IC forklift. The tradeoff is that an electric forklift may take longer to charge than the time it takes to refuel an IC forklift. It can take up to eight hours to fully charge an electric forklift’s battery, but charging time depends on the type of battery, the speed of the charger and the battery’s capacity.
Less Noise
Battery-powered forklifts emit less noise than traditional forklifts. That’s because they don’t have an internal combustion engine. This makes your project site much quieter. A quieter work environment allows crews to more easily communicate with each other, potentially making your project site safer and more efficient.
Less noise from forklifts can also prevent work-related health problems like headaches, stress and fatigue. Long-term exposure to loud noises, like those in a warehouse or factory, can lead to hearing damage or even hearing loss. Using electric forklifts helps prevent this from happening. For information on safety regulations for forklifts, please visit OSHA’s website.
Electric Forklift vs. Internal Combustion Forklift
Now that we’ve covered what an electric forklift is and some of its advantages, let’s consider when you might choose an electric forklift vs. an internal combustion forklift. Continue reading to learn about the key considerations for choosing an electric forklift vs. an IC forklift. You can also visit HercRentals.com or speak with one of our equipment experts at 888-777-2700 to learn which forklift is right for you.
3 Considerations for Choosing a Forklift for Your Project
1. Environment
One of the first things to consider when choosing a forklift is your work environment and the type of material you need to move. Internal Combustion forklifts are typically better for outdoor use, such as construction sites and lumber yards, due to their ability to handle rough terrain. IC forklifts are also generally preferred for heavy-duty applications because they can handle heavier items compared to electric forklifts and can operate for longer periods of time without need to recharge. Rough terrain requires the forklift to use more power to get around. This can quickly drain an electric forklift’s battery, negatively impacting its efficiency and overall range. Working in weather conditions like rain, snow or excessive heat can also detract from the performance of an electric forklift.
On the other hand, electric forklifts are ideal for lighter indoor tasks due to their lower emissions and quieter operation. Some specific project environments for electric forklifts include:
- Warehousing: Efficiently moving palletized goods within warehouses
- Manufacturing: Handling materials and products on production lines
- Distribution: Loading and unloading trucks and containers
- Retail: Stocking shelves and organizing inventory in stores
- Logistics: Transporting goods in distribution centers and fulfillment operations
- Airports: Loading and unloading cargo and luggage for commercial airlines
2. Load
Another important consideration when selecting a forklift is the weight and type of load you want to move. You must know the maximum weight the forklift can lift and confirm it can lift the weight of the loads you’ll be handling. Also consider the dimensions or size of the load you will be moving. Can the forklift move the load safely without damaging it? Will you need special attachments to secure the load? Make sure you’re familiar with the workload and know what you need for the project before deciding on a forklift model.
3. Application
Lastly, consider the needs of your project and your specific application for the forklift. For example, what is the maximum height the forklift needs to reach? IC forklifts often have a higher reach than electric forklifts.
Also, think about how frequently you’ll be using the forklift. If it’s going to be used constantly, make sure it can handle the demands of the project, including time needed to refuel an IC forklift vs. recharge the battery of an electric forklift.
Rent Electric Forklifts from Herc Rentals
Once you’ve determined an electric forklift is right for your project, the equipment experts at Herc Rentals are here to help you make a selection.
Explore the Herc Rentals website to see all of our material-handling solutions, including our electric forklifts. You can also give us a call at 888-777-2700 to discuss your options for renting an electric forklift.
