The Advantages of an Electric Forklift & Electric Reach Stacker

In the material handling industry, the uses of the electric forklift and electric reach stacker are both steadily increasing. Though moving away from the traditional LPG and diesel powered forklift is a major decision, electrics are associated with many advantages.
In this blog, we look at the features and benefits of using an electric forklift or an electric reach stacker in a lift truck and material handling environment.
Electric Forklift

The electric forklift is a forklift truck powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion (IC) engine using either rechargeable industrial batteries or external ways of conveying power.
- The electric forklift is equipped with a high efficiency AC driving motor.
- A fully electronic controlled travelling, lifting and steering system is in place. This includes a front lighting system, turning indicator and LED combined three colors’ rear lights.
- Electric forklifts produce zero emissions. Not only is this good for the environment but it’s also good for the health of the employees in a factory.
- Electric forklifts are much quieter than LPG or diesel forklifts. This minimises noise pollution inside and outside the factory and, again, is good for the workers.
- Electric forklifts are cheaper to operate as they cost less for fuel, require lower maintenance (having fewer moving parts), need less replacement of fluids and have considerably fewer lost hours from maintenance downtime and breakdown.
- In the electric forklift, the battery acts partially as a counterweight which saves space. This is good when work has to be carried out in narrow spaces.
Electric reach stacker

Available in different load bearing capacities and lifting heights, the electric reach stacker can be used in a variety of ways like unloading or loading trailers, dockside maneuvering, or stocking.
- Designed to work in narrow aisles, the electric reach stacker can tilt both forwards and backwards for safer load handling.
- The battery can be removed from the side of the electric reach stacker, making it very convenient to replace and maintain batteries.
- Braking applied with the handle in an upright and horizontal position, increases the safety of the truck while a built-in pressure relief valve protects the electric reach stacker from overloads, increasing the reliability.
- Another safety feature that an electric reach stacker offers is an emergency reversing device in the handle.
- An electric reach stacker’s full-function control handle ensures safe and productive operations.
With so many advantages being offered by the electric forklift and electric reach stacker, it’s clear to see why these pieces of equipment are increasing in popularity in the material handling industry. As long as the needs of your business fit the abilities and the strengths of the forklift, both the electric forklift and electric reach stacker can be extremely beneficial to your company.
