Plugging in to greener power
Switching to electric powered materials handling equipment is not only good for the environment but also for your workforce, your neighbours and your balance sheet – says specialist handling manufacturer Combilift.
When Combilift was established in 1998, the world was quite a different place. In that year, Google was incorporated as a private company in California and only 9% of households had access to the internet.
And in the world of industrial vehicles, diesel power was mainly the default choice as it was considered to offer the best performance in demanding working conditions.
Times have changed, and the growing demand for electric powered vehicles and equipment has been fuelled by shifting public attitudes and more stringent legislation.
Combilift’s CEO and co-founder, Martin McVicar, says: “Since we launched our first electric C-Series model over 18 years ago, we have constantly added to our range of electric trucks. In the last 18 months alone, we’ve introduced four new models to our portfolio, and more than 60% of the trucks that come off the production lines in Monaghan are now electric.
As more and more of our customers are opting for electric power it is obvious that they are as committed to sustainability and a circular economy as we are.”
Switching to electric power from diesel is now a much more attractive option, and this is down to improved battery technology, which enables ever increasing lift capacities, longer run times and longer operation per charge.
The latest generation of electric trucks are also versatile and can work indoors and out, which can reduce the overall number of forklifts required and consequently the carbon footprint – as well as lowering operational costs and outlay for insurance, maintenance and so on. So, what is good for the planet can also be good for your business.
Wide-ranging benefits
Talking of finances: the initial cost of an electric truck may be somewhat higher than a diesel model, but over a truck’s lifetime the TCO can work out to be better, particularly as it is now no longer legal to use red diesel for non-road mobile machinery.
As electric powered trucks do not have traditional combustion engines or hydraulic transmissions, there is no longer any need to check and top up engine fluids or lubricants. This results in longer intervals between services, for further cost saving
But it’s not all about money – just as on-street traffic emissions can cause serious health problems, people need to be protected from pollution at their workplace.
The British Safety Council has called for limits on the amount of exposure to diesel emissions, and an electric fleet obviously improves air quality on site and reduces the potential risks to employees, visitors and customers alike.
Noise pollution is an underestimated threat to human health, wildlife and environmental quality, and more and more companies are aiming to quieten down their operations by using electric trucks.
Keeping noise levels to a minimum is not only beneficial to the workforce – for those with premises in residential or urban areas, it will mean much happier neighbours too.
New electric models
Combilift’s latest models include the 5,000kg capacity Combi-XLE multidirectional forklift, the Combi-FSE 4-wheel, 2-directional sideloader with 5,000kg or 6,000kg lift capacity and the Combi-MR4 4-wheel multidirectional reach-truck.
These electric trucks guarantee powerful performance and quiet, emission-free operation together with the Combilift advantages of safe, space saving and productive handling. Technical innovations on specific models such as Combilift’s new Dynamic 360° steering, all-wheel traction and a patented Eco-Steer System offer benefits such as unrivalled manoeuvrability, reduced tyre wear, enhanced braking and steering control.