The Evolution of Electric Lift Trucks

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- 23 Apr 2015 ( #715 )
4 min read
Carer R160: 36,000 lbs. capacity, 120 volt forklift in an indoor/ outdoor port terminal application.
Carer R160: 36,000 lbs. capacity, 120 volt forklift in an indoor/ outdoor port terminal application.
With companies and government agencies placing higher importance on finding green energy alternatives, the materials handling industry has seen a significant shift in demand over the past few years. More emphasis is now being placed on electric powered over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) forklifts and as companies search for cost savings, equipment manufacturers are taking steps to change the way we think about electric solutions.

Traditionally thought of as merely a solution for indoor facilities such as warehouses or distribution centers, electric forklifts are now being recognized as a cleaner and more sustainable option for heavier industrial applications as well. The introduction of these high capacity electric forklifts have opened the door for facilities looking for outdoor, all weather equipment, maximum drive speeds, and higher torque.

Without harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulates such as soot and odors, electric forklifts provide workers with a cleaner work environment without the need for pollutant suppressors such as catalytic converters.

*Table uses Fuel Gas/LPG as the baseline, meaning LPG figures are shown at 100% as it is being compared to itself. All other figures represent a percentage of the expected value for an LPG Truck.
*Table uses Fuel Gas/LPG as the baseline, meaning LPG figures are shown at 100% as it is being compared to itself. All other figures represent a percentage of the expected value for an LPG Truck.

Additionally electric forklifts produce less noise, reducing the risk of hearing loss and the potential for workplace accidents. Combined with the reduction in vibration, companies reduce the risk of operator fatigue and back issues when choosing an electric alternative.
However, when you look at the numbers, it is the overall lowered operating costs over the lifespan of an electric forklift that offers the largest incentive. Consumers are recognizing that, regardless of the larger initial investment, electric forklifts are paying for themselves when you recognize the reduced depreciation costs and eliminate the need for increasing fuel costs.


Carer Z100H: 21,800 lbs. capacity, 96 volt forklift in indoor/outdoor paper handling application
Carer Z100H: 21,800 lbs. capacity, 96 volt forklift in indoor/outdoor paper handling application
To combat these unpredictable fossil fuel costs and stricter environmental standards, forklift manufacturers have taken strides to enhance 3 phase alternating current (A/C) technology. These changes have revolutionized the industry making electric forklifts a feasible solution in applications where ICE forklifts are traditionally found.

With indoor and outdoor forklift solutions, consumers have options that can meet the needs of anyfacility. For warehouses and other traditional light weight applications 24v, 36v and 48volt equipment options will meet the speed and lifting requirements for most consumers. For more demanding applications new 80v, 96v, and 120volt options provide increased operating efficiencies that match or exceed the performance levels and run-times of their ICE forklift counterparts.

With less moving parts than an internal combustion engine, an electric forklift can reduce maintenance costs by 40 - 60%. Electric forklifts have fewer wear and tear components and with the elimination of stand-by idle time, the useable asset life cycle can be extended significantly.

For high capacity electric forklifts the return on investment is found after the payback period which can range from 18-28 months. Consumers will see lasting savings over the extended life of their electric forklift through lower real life depreciation costs and less frequent replacement of electric units.

Carer Forklift solutions is dominating the market in the development of class 1 high capacity electric forklifts. Where other manufacturers are bolstering their equipment lines as it relates to 80v electric options, the vast majority of them stop at 11,000 lbs. capacities. Carer offers 35 model options in capacities ranging from 10,000 lbs. to 36,000 lbs. enabling class 1 solutions in industries and applications that typically do not consider electric options.

Carer Z120HD: 26,000 lbs. capacity 96 volt forklift, used in medium-density fiberboard operation
Carer Z120HD: 26,000 lbs. capacity 96 volt forklift, used in medium-density fiberboard operation
Strong relationships with fast charging lead acid and lithium battery manufacturers and Carer's commitment finding the right machine to work within each customers current operating specifications, enables them to maximize efficiency and minimize costs in any operation. This company will continue to revolutionize the industry by enhancing their line of customized high capacity forklifts for applications such as nuclear power, shipping and port operations, pulp and paper, steel and aluminum, as well as the food and beverage industry.

"We've seen substantial growth in filling a gap in the market for 15,000 lbs. to 35,000 lbs. capacity electrics. End users who have been using electrics but are now facing increased load size have found themselves between a rock and a hard place in the past when looking for options to satisfy their facility's needs. Those running high capacity diesel lift trucks are consistently being pressured by governing bodies to find cleaner alternatives.

Our greatest advantage has been our ability to work with dealers and end-users alike to research and establish the feasibility in converting their fleet from IC forklifts to Carer's electric forklift solutions."

~ Eric Halfnights, Dealer Development Manager, Carer Electric Forklift Solutions.

Carer Electric Forklift Trucks
t: 1-844-332-2737
e: send an email
w: www.carerforklifts.com
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