Although gas-powered rough-terrain forklifts are likely well-known to construction experts, electric counterbalance lift trucks are frequently the ideal choice for indoor applications, such as a company's goods warehouse. When used strictly for material handling on warehouse floors intended for such usage, electric forklifts have numerous benefits over the typical rough-terrain lift truck used in the construction industry.
Among the advantages of switching to electricity are:
- Strict ventilation requirements for operating diesel engines indoors are limited by the absence of emissions.
- Forklift batteries are incorporated into the design of counterbalance lift trucks. By acting as ballast, the fuel source improves overall operational efficiency.
- Construction warehouse bases are the perfect surface for electric counterbalance forklifts. This also involves too many warehouse yards and loading docks. The cost and additional maintenance of rough-terrain tires and suspension systems are not required in this application because the backdrop is developed for material handling.
- The shapes and sizes of products frequently encountered in the construction sector, including as panels, rebar, steel framing, and even bulk materials like gravel, cement, and sand, can be handled by fork attachments.
- Compared to their internal combustion engine equivalents, electric engines require less maintenance.
Manufacturers frequently assert that because diesel forklifts can be refueled quickly, they are ideal for warehouses with various shifts. But there's no reason why electric forklifts can't work numerous shifts provided the facility makes a few little adjustments to its forklift-battery-handling systems.
Follow these guidelines to get the most out of electric forklifts and avoid downtime while batteries charge:
To keep an eye on forklift battery usage, employ fleet management systems.
When left on their own, harried forklift operators frequently reach for the closest battery. They may even choose favorites. These behaviors result in the underutilization of one battery and the over-reliance on another. This can significantly reduce overall efficiency over time.
To guarantee equitable utilization throughout the battery collection, fleet management systems monitor battery usage. Better yet, they provide management with comprehensive reporting and data storage to help them maintain the best possible battery health. Last but not least, reporting enables firms to properly size equipment to avoid needless expenditures.
To reduce change-out periods to a matter of minutes, install sophisticated battery extractor systems.
Instead of standing in long queues for a battery change, forklifts should be operating in the aisles where they can be most productive. Fortunately, change-out times may be reduced to a minimum of a few minutes per battery with Operator Aboard Battery Extractor Systems.
Instead of depending on outside services, incorporate maintenance systems inside battery stand systems.
Forklift batteries must have routine maintenance in order to function at their best. Battery washing, electrolyte water replacement, and routine equalization charges are all required of users.
Although some forklift operators depend on maintenance services to keep their batteries in optimal condition, operators can do it themselves with little equipment investment. Battery wash equipment and stand systems enable customers to properly capture hazardous runoff for EPA-compliant treatment and disposal while cleaning assets in accordance with maintenance schedules.
Electric forklifts are perfect for transporting products in warehouses, but rough-terrain forklifts are the norm on construction sites. For construction companies that run their own material storage facilities, electric forklifts can offer substantial cost savings with the correct tools and a few labor-saving tips.