Electric development

If the majority of your fork truck operations are indoors, then the argument for electric – as opposed to IC engine – is compelling. Not only is there a growing body of evidence (and legislation) concerning the health threat from diesel emissions, but continuing improvements in performance mean that the current breed of electric trucks actually outperform their IC rivals.

Traditionally, truck users felt obliged to buy engine machines, because electric alternatives – though cheaper and cleaner to run did not offer comparable performance. However, a new breed of electrics have totally reversed the situation by delivering higher performance – such as acceleration as well as maximum travel and lift speeds – than most engine models. At the same time, every performance parameter can be quickly tailored to the precise needs of the individual operator… and the application.

Let’s start with the money though (it’s always about the money!) When it comes to whole life costs, electric will always come out on top. Although the initial purchase is higher, over a 5 year rental contract in a demanding environment, lower fuel and maintenance costs will result in an overall saving in the region of 25% when compared with IC equivalents... with potential; savings of £13,000 per machine.

The obvious solution, therefore is to switch to electric and eliminate the emissions, dust and noise issues altogether - whilst reducing your carbon footprint and cutting real life costs... This is not only healthier for your employees, but also helps to keep sensitive products like food, beverages, pharmaceuticals etc from becoming tainted – especially if you opt for a truck like the Mitsubishi EDiA which has the added advantage of offering sealed brakes to eliminate potentially hazardous brake dust.

In the past, electric trucks have been equated with indoor working. Not anymore. Models like the Mitsubishi EDiA with its counter-rotating drive wheels which act independently – achieves incredibly agile, four-wheel steering. (Indeed, the EX is unique in that it could actually be manoeuvred – with pin-point accuracy - purely by using the drive wheels alone.)  An added benefit is exceptional traction on almost any industrial surface, without the wheel-spin associated with IC engine trucks (and the resultant cost for replacing tyres.)  

This precise multi-directional drive system also delivers an exceptionally tight turning radius whilst being kind on the steer tyres. 

That go-anywhere performance has been further enhanced by waterproofing to IPX4 as standard - so the EDiA will work even in heavy rain or in environments that require hosing down at the end of a shift. As an added protection, the EDiA EX range also uses completely sealed wet-disk brakes for maximum durability.

A feature standard on many electrics is good ramp performance, including automatic hill-hold which provides added security to both the operator and the product being transported.  

As an added bonus, electrics are also more compact and manoeuvrable – typically requiring a 10% smaller stacking aisle than an IC engine counterpart – so can work in so can work in more confined spaces. This is especially true of the EDiA EX with its counter-rotating drive wheels and 100 degree lock – which means the truck will turn within its own wheelbase… and do it without the slight kick from the rear end that is normally a function of setting off on full lock – helping prevent stock damage.

Nothing if not versatile, this new breed of electric FLTs ideally matches the multi-faceted requirements of users of one or two trucks, such as small warehouses – 

performing equally as well outdoors as a yard truck and indoors, where the towering 7m lift and tight turning circle of a truck like EDiA EX means it can easily undertake the duties of a reach truck.