An electric forklift can be a major investment for a small or growing business, but if it’s planned properly and assessed carefully, it could lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
Here are the things you should consider when buying an electric forklift for your business.
Make Sure It Meets Safety Regulations and Stays Compliant
UK businesses must abide by strict regulations governing the operation of forklifts. That includes electric forklifts.
For example, LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) states that forklifts must display clear Safe Working Load markings while also undergoing periodic examinations. Forklifts must also be fit for purpose, whatever that purpose may be.
As per PUWER (the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), these vehicles must also be maintained in working order and good repair. Businesses must also ensure that operators are adequately trained to use the equipment.
Businesses should perform a forklift inspection before every shift, ensuring it is in line with workplace procedures and safety regulations. Where electric forklifts are concerned, they may check that the battery has been charged to a sufficient level and that there are no cracks, breaks, rust, or anything else that could jeopardise workers’ safety.
Sticking with trusted UK suppliers will make it easier to find a suitable electric forklift, but you’ll also need to make sure it’s used, maintained, and stored correctly once it’s on your premises.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), responsible for regulating health and safety in the workplace, includes a helpful pocket card on safe lift truck operation.
Calculate the True Cost and Value of an Electric Forklift
Initially, an electric forklift can be more expensive than an internal combustion engine (ICE) forklift, considering the price of the vehicle, as well as charging infrastructure and battery costs.
However, new electric forklifts are often more energy efficient. They may consume less energy, thus reducing energy costs, and generally making them cheaper to run long-term.
The exact savings will depend on the specific model, how much it’s used, and its daily operations.
There are other potential cost-saving benefits to consider as well.
As more businesses focus on sustainability, electric forklifts can help companies future-proof their operations and reduce their emissions.
These vehicles aren’t as noisy, leading to clearer acoustics in busy warehouses. They don’t produce exhaust fumes, improving air quality. Many electric forklifts also include safety features such as automatic braking, weight indicators, and stability support systems (features vary by make and model).
It’s hard to quantify the savings generated from creating a quieter and cleaner workspace, but these factors must be considered when weighing up the true value of switching from ICE to electric forklifts.
Choose an Electric Forklift That Matches Your Business
Last but not least, you need an electric forklift that’s actually capable of performing the role you need.
Electric forklifts can be used both indoors and outdoors, but the lift height and capacity can vary greatly. Think about what lifting requirements you will need now, as well as in the future. You will typically pay more for electric forklifts with higher weight and height capacities, but there’s no point investing in something that can’t perform efficiently.
Are you running forklifts indoors through long shifts? If so, you want something that will run for most of the shift and is easy to charge. Will it be used outdoors on uneven terrain? Then you need to think about stability features and tyre quality.
Consider your throughput, warehouse layout, load characteristics, and logistics of charging the forklift.
Conclusion
These are very difficult times for SMEs in the UK. They need to stay efficient and profitable in a challenging environment. Electric forklifts can be one part of the solution.
The right model of electric forklift can improve efficiency and air quality while minimising noise. If it’s properly used and maintained, it can help businesses stay efficient, sustainable, and confident in an increasingly uncertain world. However, buying an electric forklift is just one option.
UK businesses can also rent or buy used. They can stick with traditional diesel-powered forklifts or use stackers and pallet trucks. All of these options should be considered before settling on a solution.
