All You Need To Know About Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts can be a great alternative to petrol or diesel forklifts, especially for indoor applications, due to the fact that they produce zero emissions and operate almost silently.

But, if you are thinking about buying an electric forklift to use in your warehouse or retail facility etc., here are some things you need to know:

How Do Electric Forklifts Work?

To put it simply, electric forklifts are powered by an industrial battery (between 38V - 48V) connected directly to the drive axle. This direct set up removes the need for a transmission and drive shaft, as the electric motor provides forward and reverse drive, and the up and down motion of the lift.

Types Of Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts are divided into three types or classes, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3, with each one suitable for various applications. They include:

1. Class 1 Electric Forklift: Class 1 electric forklifts are counter-balanced forklifts, which basically means the load is counter-balanced with the inclusion of a weight at the back of the forklift - in the case of an electric forklift the weight would be the battery.




2. Class 2 Electric Forklift: Class 2 electric forklifts are narrow aisle forklifts, which as the name suggests are the type of forklift used to operate effectively in extremely narrow aisles and tight spaces. This ability allows businesses to increase racking space without the need for a bigger premises.




3. Class 3 Electric Forklift: Class 3 electric forklifts are usually smaller, rider and walk-behind forklifts, such as pallet jacks, and are mainly used in the food and beverage industry.

The Advantages of Electric Forklifts

• Electric forklifts are more environmentally friendly than diesel or petrol forklifts.


• They're quieter, produce no exhaust fumes and don't require you to leave the warehouse for refuelling.


• Maintenance is lower for electric forklifts because they have fewer parts than their diesel or LPG counterparts.


• The lighter weight of electric forklifts makes them easy to use and manoeuvre.

The Disadvantages of Electric Forklifts

• Electric forklifts can be more expensive than diesel alternatives


• If you don't already have one, you will need to install a charging station


• You HAVE to remember to charge the battery to prevent unnecessary downtime


• Electric forklifts can suffer performance issues in cold environments


• Electric forklifts don't generally have the same lifting capacity as diesel or LPG alternatives

Things to consider when choosing an electric forklift

Electric forklifts are a great choice for many different types of businesses, due to the advantages listed above and more, but if you are considering investing in a new or used electric forklift, here are three things to consider:

• Capacity: How much weight does it lift?


• Lift height: How high can it go, and does it have the range for your racking system?


• Battery life: How long does it last on one charge, and are you prepared to install a charging station?

Conclusion

Whether you're thinking of buying an electric forklift, a diesel forklift or LPG forklift, although a great benefit to most businesses, it is a big investment, so we'd always suggest speaking to a forklift specialist first, to ensure you're making the right choice.

Contact us

If you're looking to buy a new forklift or a used forklift, hire a forklift, or if you're looking for a forklift and repair specialist, contact Beds & Bucks Forktrucks Ltd. one of the UK's leading forklift experts.