Diesel forklifts Rental Malaysia.

Diesel forklifts are the better outdoor truck for many reasons. Their engine provides more power than electric forklifts. They are designed and built to handle rough terrain.  They can withstand weather conditions better than electric models. They make more noise than electric trucks, but this is not a problem outdoors.

One real advantage of diesel trucks is they can work longer without running out of fuel. When they do run out, it only takes a few minutes to fill the fuel tank. Changing electric batteries is a longer and more complex process. It can take much longer if the replacement battery needs to be recharged before it can be put on the truck.

Diesel forklifts don’t require extra space for battery charging stations. They can also be parked anywhere instead of next to the charging station. Diesels easily outperform electrics when it comes to power usage. For example, driving on gradients will deplete an electric engine sooner than a diesel. Adding hydraulic or other attachments to the truck will also deplete an electric engine more quickly. The more components that need power from electric forklifts, the faster the battery and overall power of the forklift is depleted.

On the downside, diesel forklifts have limited applications indoors because of the noise and toxic fume emissions. In fact, they require special training for safe use at indoor job sites. Handling toxic fumes requires careful assessment of indoor air quality. The company needs to use safe practices for eliminating carbon monoxide. Workers need to be aware of the hazards of using diesel trucks in enclosed spaces.

Forklifts powered by liquid propane gas (LPG) offer unique advantages to their users. LPG forklifts make up a huge portion of the material handling market and are found across most industries. However, the performance and convenience of these models come with some disadvantages too.

THE ADVANTAGES OF AN ELECTRIC FORKLIFT

There was a day when the mention of forklifts powered by anything but internal combustion (IC) engines was laughed at. No serious warehouse or storage yard considered using alternate energy sources in place of proven gasoline, diesel or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels that fired their IC forklifts.

Forklifts need power, they thought. Forklifts also need speed, high lift and climbing ability. They need to run all day without downtime and be able to function outside in rough terrain during inclement weather. That was the view of most forklift owners and operators – at least, that was the view until their perceptions were proven wrong.

Over the past decade, electric battery-powered forklifts have taken a strong hold in the lift truck and material handling environment – and for good reasons. The advantages of a forklift powered by electricity now far outweigh the disadvantages. The limitations and drawbacks that once made electric forklifts inefficient and impractical have been put to rest by advancing technologies and proven performance.

Increasingly, a number of industrial companies are switching to electric forklifts, because energy-efficient, environmentally friendly machines can do virtually anything emissions producing IC forklifts do. Electric forklifts are a realistic alternative to liquid-fueled lift trucks and are more economical to operate, equally powerful, easier to maintain, safer, quieter and cleaner.

FORKLIFT PERFORMANCE

Companies planning to purchase, replace or upgrade their current forklift capabilities must first assess their operational needs and ask some basic questions about the service required from their forklift. That’s the first step in deciding whether the advantages of an electric forklift give a better payback over IC lifts.

Do they need an internal combustion engine, or will an electric-powered forklift work better?

• Are they operating indoors or outside?
• How many hours per week does the forklift operate?
• What is the maximum weightlifting capacity required?
• What height does the forklift have to reach?
• What is the turning radius within the storage aisles?
• What materials are being handled?
• Are perishable items like food and produce exposed to exhaust fumes?
• What are the acceptable noise and fume levels?
• What are the operator health and safety expectations?
• What are the environmental impacts of IC versus electric?
• What are the fuel storage conditions?
• What are the maintenance costs and schedules?
• What is the lifecycle and longevity needed for the forklift?

What is the purchase or rental cost of an electric forklift compared to an internal combustion machine?

What are the fuel consumption costs going to be?

In every other question, the performance, costs and safety considerations can be met or exceeded by buying or renting an electric forklift. There once was a notable difference in performance between electric forklift and IC truck performance but, nowadays, technology has given electric forklifts a leading edge in the commercial forklift market.

About 30 years ago, electric forklifts didn’t have the power, speed or longevity that ICE trucks provided. That’s changed and no longer true. Where in the 1990s the market was 60 percent ICE powered lifts and 40 percent electric, now the market share has reversed. Today, 60 percent of forklifts are electric and only 40 percent are fossil-fueled.

The reason is simply that technological advancements have made electric forklifts compete and exceed on so many levels. The pros of an electric forklift far outweigh the cons, and one of the top advantages of an electric forklift truck is the operating costs.

ELECTRIC FORKLIFT OPERATING COST ADVANTAGES

Studies prove that electric forklifts are cheaper to operate and maintain compared to IC forklifts. In their lifetime, electric forklifts cost less for fuel, require lower maintenance as they have fewer moving parts, need less fluids to replace like engine oil, coolant and filters, and have considerably fewer lost hours from maintenance downtime and breakdown.

For example, a study in Ohio found the cost to recharge an electric forklift can range from $1.50 to $4.50 per eight-hour shift while the cost of operating a liquid propane gas (LPG) lift runs between $18 to $25 per bottle fill. These rates depend upon location, but it’s clear that energy-consumption costs for an electric forklift are far less.

This study went further and gave a yearly competitive calculation based on 5,000-pound lifting capacity electric and LPG machines.

• Fuel consumed per shift: Electric – 41 kilowatts, LPG – 6 gallons
• Unit cost of fuel: Electric – $0.010 per CAGE, LPG – $2.50 per gallon
• Cost per eight-hour shift: Electric – $4.10, LPG – $20
• Operating shifts per year: Electric – 260, LPG – 260
• Annual fuel cost: Electric – $1,066, LPG – $5,200

The electric forklift offered $4,134 per year in potential savings over the IC forklift. The LPG lift truck was four times more expensive to run than the electric lift just on fuel costs alone. This is not taking into consideration the lower maintenance budget, greater productivity, extended lifespan and increased performance of the electric forklift. Also, there’s the lack of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions, quieter operating environment and overall safety improvement.

The key to offering these significant electric forklift advantages is the technology behind the electric motors and energy-supplying batteries.

ELECTRIC FORKLIFT MOTOR AND BATTERY ADVANTAGES

Technology has replaced the old direct current (DC) electric motors exclusively with modern alternating current (AC) motors. Outdated DC motors were underpowered and were only able to draw power from the available battery voltage. As the battery charge reduced, so did the motor’s power output and the machine got weaker as the shift progressed. Few DC electric forklifts could survive a full day’s duration, especially in heavy applications, and the downtime to recharge was unacceptable.

Forklifts with AC motors maintain their performance as battery voltage reduces. The operator can rely on full power throughout the shift until the voltage is so low the battery requires recharging or swapping out with a fresh one. AC motors are highly energy-efficient and their outstanding performance is boosted by advancements in battery technology.

Electric-powered forklifts use several different types of energy storing and supplying batteries. Forklift batteries are large, weighty and expensive compared to automotive batteries. However, a lot more electric draw is expected to operate a heavy forklift than to start a car.

Most forklift batteries are lead-acid based, where electricity is stored in liquid-filled cells and supplied by cables to the electric motor.

ELECTRIC FORKLIFT ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVANTAGES

Electric forklifts have zero emissions. That’s as environmentally friendly as it gets. Unlike diesel, gasoline and liquid propane gas internal combustion engines, electric motors have no exhaust. There is no harmful carbon monoxide for operators or nearby workers to breathe and no carbon dioxide greenhouse gasses to warm the climate.

Electric forklifts are ideal machines for interior and warehouse situations. No harmful fumes mean no special and expensive ventilation is required to rid forklift exhaust or heating while overhead doors are open.

IC forklifts produce considerable heat from their fuel combustion, which radiates into the warehouse space or presents hot surfaces on exhaust pipes that can burn or scald a worker. Electric forklifts consume only the energy they require and don’t waste fuel through inefficiency while idling or operating out of tune while raw fuel is poured out the pipe.

There is virtually no noise from an electric forklift except for the tires, the lift and the sound of the safety backup horn or warning beacon. IC forklifts are loud and send varying pitches according to their load changes. These sounds are hazardous to employee’s long-term hearing and are considered a safety distraction.

Modern electric forklifts use their motors as brakes and immediately decelerate and stop when the operator lets off the accelerator. This is a highly desirable safety feature, unlike the old clutch and shift transmissions on IC units. Electric motors completely stop when not in use, while IC forklifts continue to idle and pump environmentally unfriendly poisons into the atmosphere.

Even the batteries on electric forklifts are environmentally friendly. Industrial batteries – such as the large commercial ones used in electric forklifts – weigh hundreds of pounds, with the vast majority of weight being lead. With technology increasing both in battery design and recycling ability, more than 97 percent of all battery lead is recycled. There is little waste discharged into landfills and virtually no pollutants coming from battery-powered forklifts.

Between electricity as a fuel and batteries as the fuel storage container, electric forklifts are truly a leading force in low environmental impact and consumers of renewable resources. This includes waste products from routine forklift maintenance.

ELECTRIC FORKLIFT MAINTENANCE ADVANTAGES

Electrically powered forklifts have fewer moving parts than IC machines. Electric motors do not have reciprocating parts like pistons and crankshafts as internal combustion engines. Electric motors simply have a rotor that spins within a stator supported by bearings. There is no crankcase oil to change and dispose of, no radiator coolant to flush and no engine filters to discard. These fluids and filters require regular maintenance that costs money and time as well as their load on nature.

Electric forklifts have fewer periodic maintenance intervals and spend more time in productive operation. Electric motors are highly dependable, partly due to fewer friction parts and partly as the result of advanced electrical technology. A major advantage of electric forklifts is they keep on running and can easily be serviced with a battery maintenance program and regular cleaning.

Forklifts with electric motors don’t require expensive specialty tools or a stockpile of spare parts to maintain. They also don’t require special fuel storage areas for safely holding explosive or flammable fuels like gasoline, propane and diesel. Electric forklifts only require an AC power port to plug into and a small area to host a spare battery that sits on charge.

OTHER ELECTRIC FORKLIFT ADVANTAGES

Beyond the top performance, low operating costs, dependability, low maintenance, health, safety and environmental benefits, electric forklifts have other advantages over IC lift trucks. These include:

• Lower center of gravity and better stability due to heavy batteries
• Better rear visibility as the exhaust and fuel tank are gone
• Weather durability due to sealed motor compartment
• Smaller turning radius from tighter design
• Less vibration and operator fatigue
• Able to perform in high traffic area where noise is a factor
• Better adapted to smaller lifts, pickers and pallet movers
• Safe around perishable products
• Lower cost of ownership and longer lifecycle
• Cleaner to operate and maintain

Electric forklifts have many advantages over IC machines and already high-technology electrical cells like lithium-ion are replacing older lead-acid batteries. Technology is also moving at breakneck speed with the development of cobotics. This electric forklift operation is mostly robotic and directed by a computer while remote operators perform value-added tasks.

Today, the difficult choice in forklifts is not electric or fossil fuels. The tough choice for most companies is whether to buy or rent an electric forklift. That includes whether to get a new machine or a used forklift. There’s an old rule of thumb that says if a forklift is going to be used more than one-quarter of production time, then it’s better to purchases a new one as the overall return on investment is higher.

Regardless of whether you choose to buy or rent an electric forklift, CK rentals is your best source in Malaysia. We handle a wide selection of new and used electric lift trucks for reducing your business costs and expanding capabilities.

Let CK rentals be your one-stop source for electric forklifts for sale or rent. Contact CK rentals today to rent or buy an electric forklift.

Why Reach Truck Rental ?

A reach truck is a smaller vehicle than the forklift, allowing it to remain much more nimble. It has a slimmer chassis and holds loads closer to its wheelbase, letting it perform well in warehouses with narrow aisles and tighter spaces. Instead of a counterbalance, a reach truck has two stabilizing outer legs that distribute the load weight.

Although some models allow a forward stance, the operator usually sits sideways, allowing maximum comfort and maneuverability. Reach trucks include several features to enhance visibility for operators. The cab might tilt to help the driver get a better view or feature an open overhead guard. Many reach trucks come with a camera, allowing the operator to see what’s happening above their head on a video screen.

Reach trucks can usually handle a smaller capacity than a traditional counterbalance forklift. Besides working in narrow spaces, the other advantage of a reach truck is its maximum height. With maximum lift heights on some models extending above 40 feet, reach trucks allow your business to scale its storage vertically. Also, since all lift trucks have a 36-volt electric battery, they are quiet and release no emissions, making them even more well-suited to indoor work environments.

At CK rentals , we offer many reach trucks, each equipped with features to make your warehouse more productive. 

Key Similarities and Differences

What is the difference between a reach truck and a counterbalance forklift? See how each compares to the other in various features and specifications:

• Visibility: Forklifts feature forward-facing cabs, meaning the driver always sees what’s in front of them. However, larger loads may limit visibility. Reach trucks feature many stance options, with the most common being a sideways-facing cab. Here, operators gain visibility through innovative mast designs, tilting cabs and video feeds.
• Lift capacity: Reach trucks have standard lift capacities between 3,000 and 5,500 pounds, depending on the model. Most forklifts have a higher capacity, lifting anywhere from 3,000 to 19,000 pounds. Our high-capacity forklifts can carry even more, ranging from 28,000 pounds to 100,000 pounds.
• Turn radius: Depending on the design, lift trucks have a 35% smaller turn radius than forklifts. This allows them to work in narrower aisles. Some reach trucks can operate in 8-foot wide aisles, while forklifts may need 12 feet of clearance.
• Reach height: A forklift can reach up to 19 feet high. Meanwhile, some reach trucks can extend up to 41 feet.
• Forks: Although only one uses the word “fork” in its name, both forklifts and reach trucks use forked arms to lift and move pallets. Technically, a reach truck is a specialized type of forklift. It builds on the fork lifting design, extending its reach to higher heights with stabilizing legs to support their loads.
• Power and fuel source: While all reach trucks operate on a 36-volt electric battery, you have flexibility in power sources with forklifts. You can choose gasoline, diesel, LPG or an electric battery as your fuel source.

When to Use Each Type of Equipment

As part of your reach truck and forklift comparison, consider your facility’s use cases. Since each piece of equipment has a unique design, they’re each better suited to different environments and applications.

When It’s Best to Use a Forklift

Choose a forklift for:

• Outdoor work: Forklifts can operate in indoor and outdoor environments. When outdoor use is necessary, such as in a loading dock, construction site or supply yard, an internal combustion forklift is the best option. It can handle uneven terrain and safely operate in the rain. Electric models can also work outdoors as long as it’s not raining.
• General material handling: Loading docks, construction sites, warehouses and supply yards all use forklifts for lifting, stacking and moving products. A forklift is an excellent all-around equipment option because it can handle heavier loads.
• Open spaces: Since forklifts are bigger than reach trucks, they’re usually the better option for bigger facilities with a storage height of 19 feet.

When It’s Best to Use a Reach Truck

A reach truck may be the better option versus a forklift when working:

• Indoors: As electric vehicles, lift trucks perform best indoors. They require a smooth surface and dry environment. Since they are battery operated, they produce no emissions that may harm indoor air quality, and they operate more quietly than internal combustion forklifts.
• In narrow aisles: As smaller vehicles, reach trucks can work in limited spaces. They allow a warehouse to maximize space by placing storage racks closer together.
• With higher shelves: Reach trucks can lift far beyond their stabilizing legs, reaching lift heights of up to 502 inches. They allow a warehouse to maximize its vertical storage.
• With lighter loads: Since reach trucks cannot lift as much weight as a higher capacity forklift, it’s best to stick to lighter loads. Depending on the model, the load should not exceed 3,000 to 5,500 pounds.

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