Slowly but surely, electric forklifts are carrying more of the daily material handling load. Some of the reasons are obvious, but it is clear to most that eventually we must do more than continue to burn fossil fuels in the transportation of our products.

We still have a ways to go before electric forklifts can perform all the tasks as well as their LP forklift counterparts. However, most forklift manufacturers are improving performance and outdoor durability with each passing year. It is only a matter of time before they catch up.  There a good reasons for this transfer of power, a few major reasons are:

1. Reduced maintenance costs – Electric forklifts have fewer moving parts than their internal combustion counterparts. Fewer parts, means reduced maintenance, which results in a considerable reduction in maintenance.
2. Greatly reduced environmental impact – Electric forklift do not burn fossil fuels, reducing carbon footprint. They also require no disposal of motor oils. The units stay cleaner as a result and so does your operation!
3. Improved ergonomics and working environment – Electric forklifts are quieter with nearly no vibrations to deal with. This provides a more comfortable operating atmosphere for your forklift operators as well as the rest of the personnel that work around your lift trucks. Noise in your facility is reduced to almost zero when it comes to your lift trucks, making communications between employees easier.
4. Supply chain trends to go green – Every year, more and more companies are encouraging if not outright requiring their suppliers to improve their impact on the environment and electric forklifts are one of the major steps that companies are taking to do so.

While we have some work to do, it’s pretty clear that electric forklifts are making great strides to become a mainstay in materials handling equipment. And right now with the introduction of Lithium Ion Batteries in our BYD Forklift line-up and Section 179 tax deductions, there has never been a better time to consider trading in your internal combustion forklifts for a smooth running, cost saving electric powered lift truck.

To learn more about electric lift trucks and what they can mean to your operation, please contact us at 800-322-LIFT.