Many places with a history of using gas or diesel forklifts have made the transition to electric. Whether you employ a single forklift at your small warehouse in Missouri, or use a fleet of them on your loading dock, electric is worth looking into. Here's a look at some of the considerations that come with electric forklifts.
Why You Should Consider Switching to Electric
The economy, in general, is leaning more towards solutions that eliminate the need for fossil fuels. You've likely noticed this happening in various sectors and industries. It's no different for warehousing, and other material handling industries.
For that reason alone, it's worth it to consider making the switch. In this way, you can ensure your forklifts won't become obsolete in the near future. This also means more forklift operators will have familiarity with electric models in the future.
However, most businesses need incentives to invest beyond the idea of future-proofing. Electric forklifts definitely have some more tangible benefits worth considering.
Eliminate Gas Expenditure
If you have a forklift or fleet of forklifts, you're likely allocating money to gas. Whether it's CNG, LPG, or diesel, the costs can add up. One of the most obvious and prominent benefits of switching to electric is the elimination of this particular cost.
If you only have one or two forklifts, you may not balk at the price of keeping them fueled. But the more forklifts you have in your operations, the more you will save by eliminating gas from your ongoing forklift operation costs.
Another advantage of eliminating gas is you won't have to store any of it. Eliminating flammable, toxic liquids from the facility increases both space and overall safety.
Lower the Cost of Maintenance
Electric forklifts
have less moving parts. They don't require as stringent a maintenance schedule as combustion forklifts. Electric motors don't require all the extras a combustion engine requires. So there's no need swap various fluids and filters.
Not only does this cut the amount of maintenance your forklifts will need, it will also save you money as well. In fact, your electric forklifts will spend far more time in operation. That can only help to increase your efficiency and profit.
Reduce or Eliminate Operator Fatigue and Discomfort
Forklifts with combustion engines hum, shake, heat up, and generally contribute to forklift operator fatigue. You can often find operator fatigue at the root of many preventable accidents. Operator fatigue is a very real concern, and reducing it helps both your business and your employees. Electric forklifts don't vibrate, hum, or heat up. They're far more comfortable for operators, and likely preferable.
Increase the Breathability of the Facility
Electric forklifts don't spew out noxious fumes. For facilities with a lot of forklifts in operation, there's a noticeable difference to the air quality after the transition to electric. The improved air combined with the lack of motor noise will give you an environment your workers will enjoy far more.
Why Some May Want to Keep Their Gas-Powered Forklifts
Electric forklifts can help a great deal, but they're not for every situation or environment. The upfront costs associated with swapping several forklifts at once may seem daunting.
For those with only a handful of forklifts, it may not make sense to upset the flow of business by making a switch. In addition, electric forklifts aren't ideal for cold or moist environments. Nevertheless, electric forklifts are a sound investment for many logistic and materials handling operations in Missouri.
At RDS Equipment, Inc., we have a wide variety of forklift types and brands. We also have a very good rental program, so you can see if upgrading to a new forklift type is beneficial to you. For all your forklift needs and queries, contact us to find out more.
