Fuel-driven forklifts, also known as LPG forklifts, have long
been a staple in warehouses and construction sites. Today, however, companies
have the option to choose a different kind of forklift, one powered by
electricity. Both types of forklift have their own place among work sites and
warehouses. The best way to select the right machine for your needs is to
understand the unique advantages each provides. To help you get started, here
is a look at the benefits that electric forklifts offer.

Emission-Free

Fuel-powered forklifts give off emissions that can be harmful
to the health of operators, workers, and others in the area. That is why
warehouses often require ventilation systems to deal with these emissions.
Electric-powered forklifts, on the other hand, give off no emissions. This
makes them both safer and more convenient to use indoors, and makes them better
for the environment.

Quiet

Emissions are not the only kind of pollution fuel-powered
forklifts create. They also tend to be noisy. This level of noise can make them
unpleasant to be around, especially in indoor spaces. In addition, the noise
pollution they cause can cover up important sounds, like back-up signals, that
can help to prevent accidents. Electric forklifts, on the other hand, are much
quieter. The reduced noise pollution is both more pleasant to be around but
makes it easier to hear other important sounds within the work site.

Reduced Maintenance

The upkeep of LPG forklifts can be time-intensive and expensive.
Those machines powered by forklifts, however, require much less maintenance.
For example, they have very few moving parts, which means they have fewer parts
that need regular servicing. In addition, you do not have to change things like
oil, radiator fluid, air filters, transmission fluid, and so forth. Thanks to
these reduced maintenance requirements, they require less
downtime, and less expense, than do fuel-powered forklifts.

Reduced Lifetime Costs

Reduced maintenance costs are a big part of why electric
forklifts cost less over time than do LPG forklifts. Fuel-powered forklifts
also come with high fuel costs. Every tank of propane, for example, can cost an
average of $18-$25. Electric-powered forklifts do not use fuel tanks. While you
do have to pay for the electricity that the forklift uses when charging, these
expenses are typically much less. For example, the average electricity cost for
a forklift during an 8-hour shift is only between $1.50 and $4.50. These
reduced costs lead to significant cost savings over the life of the forklift.

Ease of Use

LPG forklifts almost universally use a clutch. This clutch
requires more movements of the hand, feet, and arms than do the automatic
transmissions of electric forklifts. As a result, electric-powered forklifts
tend to be easier to use. They are both less difficult to learn how to operate,
and create less discomfort for the operator over time.

Greater Visibility

Being able to see is important for forklift drivers,
particularly when backing up. They need to be able to respond quickly to
potential accidents, such as a pedestrian walking behind their machine. LPG
forklifts have a propane tank on the back. This tank can restrict rear
visibility. Forklifts that run on electricity, however, do not have this tank.
As a result, they have greater visibility in the back that can make them easier
to back up.

Smaller Size

Warehouses are increasingly looking to increase their storage
capacities without expanding their space. One solution is to create narrower
aisles. Electric forklifts tend to fit this space-saving new model better than
do LPG forklifts. The reason? They are smaller and turn on a tighter radius
than do LPG forklifts, in part because their battery helps to serve as a
compact counterbalance.

Automatic Braking

Rapid braking is sometimes essential to prevent accidents in
the workplace. Forklifts that run on electricity provide this type of fast
stopping power with the use of automatic braking. Whenever the operator takes
their foot off the gas, the forklift begins to brake. This feature not only
allows the machine to stop more quickly, but it also reduces operator fatigue
and helps to keep the battery charged for longer.

Longer Life

The longer you can use a machine, the less money you have to
spend over time. Forklifts that run on electricity tend to last longer than do
LPG forklifts. The reason for this longer life is the fact that they have fewer
moving parts to break down, leading to fewer catastrophic, and permanent,
breakdowns.

No Fuel Storage

LPG forklifts require the storage of fuel tanks. Thanks to the
flammability of the fuel, such storage can be hazardous. This means that
businesses face liability and regulations when it comes to keeping their fuel
tanks for their forklifts. Electric forklifts do not require fuel storage,
eliminating these hazards and expenses for the businesses that use them.

High Lift Capacity

The use of electricity rather than fuel to power certain
forklifts does not translate into less power. In fact, these forklifts can
often handle up to 12,000 pounds of load. This makes them suitable for a wide
variety of projects and jobs in a wide variety of environments.

Electric forklifts have many advantages to offer. From reduced
costs to longer life to environmental friendliness, these advantages are a part
of the reason that electric-powered forklifts are becoming more and more
popular. If you want help finding the right forklift for your business, do not
hesitate to reach out to Darr Equipment. We sell a wide variety of used and new machines, both LPG and electric, and we
have the experience to help guide you to the machine that will work best for
your circumstances. With our support, reasonable prices, and high-quality
stock, you can find the right addition to your fleet very quickly.