Comprehensive Guide To Electric Forklifts: Models, Applications, Benefits, And Maintenance Tips

Electric forklifts now dominate the U.S. market, accounting for 70% of the forklifts purchased and placed into production. This article highlights ideal industries and applications, product mix, and key benefits of an electric fleet.

Industries: Distribution, General Warehouse, and Food Manufacturing

Applications

For decades, internal combustion (IC) forklifts were believed to be the most durable and reliable models. Advances in technology and design have made electric forklifts suitable for many workplace applications. They can support multiple shifts and some outdoor operations. Companies have realized they no longer need multiple batteries to run their production. This supports their decision to transition to electric vehicles.

There are instances where your company may struggle to switch your forklifts to electric, such as space limitations for battery charging stations or decreased electrical capacity within an older warehouse. If your production runs 24 hrs/day, the time needed to charge forklift batteries may be a challenge. A site survey with a material handling partner is the best first step in understanding your options.

Electric Forklift Models, Capacities, And Aisle Widths

Toyota offers a diverse product line of electric forklifts designed for easy maintenance. Click the links below to view model specs and details on options, operator ergonomics, performance, and safety.

Sit-Down Electric Forklifts

• Core electric forklift
• 3-wheel electric forklift
• Large electric forklift
• High-capacity electric cushion forklift
• Electric pneumatic forklift

Stand-Up Electric, Reach Trucks, And Order Pickers

• Stand-up electric forklift
• Reach truck
• Walkie reach truck
• Order picker

Each new Toyota forklift purchase is covered by ProLift’s New Equipment Guarantee. In the event you are unhappy with the equipment you purchased from ProLift after one year’s use, we will simply buy it back for the original purchase price less two thirds of our normal rental rate.

Key Benefits Of Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts have significantly lower day-to-day operating costs compared to IC forklifts due to reduced maintenance and fuel costs. Electric drive motors have fewer complex mechanics, which is cost beneficial during forklift breakdowns and repairs. For enhanced ergonomics, an electric forklift produces less noise and typically generates less vibration and heat, which reduces operator fatigue.

The Toyota electric product mix also provides several equipment models and options. Finding a solution for your warehouse design, the products handled, and production schedules have never been this flexible.

Electric Forklift Fuel Consumption

Return on investment is often a primary concern when converting a fleet to electric. Fuel savings will be noticeable, especially if your company operates higher hours. On average, an IC forklift costs $1.25 – $4.00/hr to operate. An electric forklift drops your cost to an average of $.75 – $1.45 / hr.

Warehouse Planning

Electric forklifts can present options to increase space utilization at your warehouse, and they are suited for indoor and outdoor usage. Smaller turning radiuses and streamlined designs assist operators with easily maneuvering through tight spaces. While IC forklifts require a 12 ft wide aisle, an electric forklift can decrease aisle widths to 9 ft, creating room for additional aisles and delaying warehouse expansion or relocation.

Ease Of Maintenance

Many Toyota electric forklifts are designed with AC power, providing a brushless, maintenance-free motor. Several forklift parts needed for an IC forklift such as belts, engine hoses, spark plugs, and filters are unnecessary in the electric forklift design. This leaves major forklift components easier to access during service repairs and maintenance.

The elimination of several fluids also reduces the likelihood of forklift leaks. Additionally, because it produces less heat than an IC forklift, the electric forklift is less vulnerable to accelerated wear and tear on major components caused by high temperatures.

ProLift can assist your company with maintenance and service repairs if you prefer to outsource forklift service. Learn more about our programs or access blogs.

• Forklift Maintenance Programs
• Electric Forklift Maintenance blog
• Forklift Battery Maintenance blog

Electric Forklift Safety

Each electric model will offer features for a safer operator experience. While features will vary, your selected equipment may feature:

• Toyota System of Active Stability (SAS): Exclusive to Toyota, SAS provides forklift stability during turning, forward / reverse tilting, and stacking / unstacking pallets. Its goal is to prevent tip-over and keep your forklift operators safe.
• Active Mast Control (AMC): Sensing risks to longitudinal tip-over, AMC controls forward- and rear-tilt speed. This speed control also helps to stabilize raised loads.

To assist you with forklift safety ProLift provides training resources, including:

• Forklift Operator Safety Training Class
• Forklift Battery Charging Station blog
• Forklift Battery Personal Protective Equipment Kit blog
• Watering Forklift Batteries blog

Environmental Impact

Electric forklifts positively impact our environment. They generate a minimal disposal of waste and emissions. This reduces your carbon footprint and employee exposure to contaminated air. Additionally, a high percentage of the forklift battery is recyclable.

Electric Forklift Battery And Charger

Technology for batteries and chargers has drastically changed, providing options requiring little to no maintenance, a decreased need to change out forklift batteries, and shortened charging times. Forklift batteries are now handling multi-shift and cold storage applications.

When investing in an electric forklift, the selection of a forklift battery and charger is essential. Review ProLift’s blogs for tips:

• Selecting a Forklift Battery blog
• Selecting a Forklift Battery Charger blog

Electric Forklift For Sales And Rental

Toyota offers reliable electric forklifts for sale and rental. Electric forklifts may be purchased new or used, and financing options are available. Electric forklift rentals can be scheduled for daily, weekly, monthly, or long-term projects.

• New Toyota Electric Forklifts
• Used Toyota Electric Forklifts
• Toyota Electric Forklift Rentals

Complimentary Power Study

Considering a conversion to electric forklifts? ProLift’s team of material handling specialists offer a complimentary power study. We will visit your site to learn more about your application, track current forklift usage, and present you with the best electric solutions. Contact us to schedule your power study!