Quite often, you might have come across a forklift in use in a warehouse, a freight dock, a construction site or even in a manufacturing plant. Operating these machines might seem to be an easy task. However, once you’re in the operator’s seat, the challenges of operating these machines becomes amply clear.
How Forklifts Transformed the Working Processes in Plants, Factories and Warehouses
In the past, owners of warehouses and manufacturing plants relied extensively on manual labour for lifting and transporting cargo and other loads from one place to another. This was an extremely time consuming activity. It did nothing to improve the efficiencies of workers at the workplace. In addition, it was fraught with risks too. For example, carrying heavy loads from one place to another is a strenuous activity. Factories and plants are not the most organised of workplaces. Therefore, if a worker carrying a load accidentally tripped or fell, the chances of sustaining a severe injury would be quite high. Thus, manual labour was not only expensive, but also inefficient.
When the first forklifts came about, they transformed the process quite easily. They could lift loads weighing several hundreds of pounds easily. In addition, they could transport these loads promptly to the desired locations too. This speeded up efficiency levels and minimised the risks of injuries to workers. Forklift wreckers and forklifts certainly came at a price. However, their benefits and utilities often surpass their cost and other similar factors.
The Fuel Options Available in Forklifts Nowadays
Typically, forklifts run on either gasoline, electricity or propane. Electric forklifts function by virtue of their batteries. These forklifts are not as strong or as fast as the forklifts that run on gasoline or propane. In addition, they cost more than gas powered forklifts do. Electric forklifts have batteries that require specific chargers. Moreover, they need regular and intensive care and maintenance as compared to gas powered forklifts.
However, maintaining gasoline or propane forklifts is not easy. In addition, the fuel expenses also make these forklifts less cost effective as opposed to electric forklifts. Another benefit of electric forklifts is that they operate on “clean power”. In other words, they do not emit noxious fumes unlike the gas-powered forklifts. People using forklifts in closed facilities such as warehouses, tend to prefer electric forklifts for this reason.
The Gas Forklift versus the Electric Forklift
A gas-powered forklift emits lesser noise while in operation. This is because gas-powered forklifts have noisy internal combustion units. Additionally, as opposed to forklifts that run on propane, these forklifts also emit lesser volumes of carbon monoxide. For many customers a gas-powered forklift is a cost effective purchase.
However, electric forklifts do not emit any smoke. This aspect makes them very environment-friendly units. It is also why you will often come across these machines inside factories and warehouses. The lifespan of an electric forklift surpasses that of any other kinds of machines. Electric forklifts also do not cost much, when it comes to maintenance. In addition, they do not emit much noise when in operation too.
Industry experts believe that electric forklifts provide greater value for money proposition than gas-powered machines do. This is because they do not run on costly fossil fuels, but rather function on a clean energy source such as electricity.
Electric forklifts only depend on the timely recharge of their batteries. This makes them units that are easy to maintain. These forklifts also have fewer moving parts, which reduce the maintenance costs associated with these forklifts. Gas-powered forklifts depend on fuel for functioning. Hence, they might not always be cost effective options to use.
South Coast Forklifts – Leading Providers of Forklifts and Forklift Parts in Australia
Whether you need Clark forklift parts or Toyota forklift parts, South Coast Forklifts is the supplier to trust. From new and used forklifts to authentic spare parts like spare tyres, we have it all.
We also offer forklifts on lease, if you’re considering renting a forklift. In addition, we also provide onsite service and repairs for all makes and models of forklifts. Therefore, when you need used or new forklifts or spare parts, call us at 1300 988 795.