Unlike much of Europe the UK still favours LPG and diesel over electric. As there is no charging period IC engine truck can work continuously. They are available in bigger lift capacities than electrics and have a lower initial purchase price.
However, new legislation regarding emissions has been introduced which means that all new trucks must meet stringent new standards. So if you are thinking of buying an IC truck there is a compelling case for buying new, rather than an older, more polluting second-hand truck…
Bust the dust!
Some manufacturers have gone further by addressing the problem of airborne dust which not only contaminates stock but can cause serious health problems.
All forklift engines create a certain amount of dust, from tyre and fan belt wear, brake dust etc. However a much greater problem is the way they spread it around. The fast-moving parts of the engine create a cyclone effect – like a modern vacuum cleaner – sucking dust from the floor. Unlike a cleaner, the particles aren’t stored: they’re thrown into the air.
The Health & Safety Executive recommends against putting settled dust back into the air. For an IC engine truck that means introducing a physical barrier under the truck. The ideal solution is a belly plate with sealed rear wheel arches and brakes… along with high efficiency cyclone air filters. These can be fitted to all forklifts and some, like the Mitsubishi GRENDIA even have them as standard.
Save big money by comparing fuel costs
Apart from environmental concerns – which clearly translate into safety issues – the other big driver in the purchasing process is cost. LPG and diesel consumption varies dramatically between truck models so you’ll want to carry out a comparison – ideally on your own site. One customer recently reported that his 2 tonne Mitsubishi LPG truck uses two fewer cylinders of gas per week than a leading rival. In cash terms the competitor model costs around £2600 more per year to run than its Mitsubishi counterpart… or £13000 over 5 years.
But electric offers even greater savings…
Is electric the new diesel?
When it comes to whole life costs, electric will always come out on top. Although the initial purchase or rental price is higher, over a 5 year term in a demanding environment, users can expect massive energy savings which results in an overall saving in the region of 20% when compared with IC equivalents.
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 individually tailored to the precise needs of the individual operator and the application.
As an added bonus, electrics are also more compact so can work in more confined spaces.
In the past, that has meant indoors… but not any more. Trucks like the Mitsubishi EDiA have counter-rotating drive wheels for excellent traction on almost any industrial surface. This precise multi-directional drive system also offers unmatched turning circles whilst being kind on the steer tyres. That go-anywhere performance has been further enhanced by waterproofing to IPX4 as standard… so they will work even in heavy rain or in environments that require hosing down at the end of a shift.
Maybe it’s time to factor electric into your calculations?
Buyers guide:
- Carry out a risk assessment for your site – consider which fuel source is most suitable
- If you are buying an IC engine truck, consider new rather than used – it will meet more stringent exhaust emissions standards, meeting better your duty of care to operators
- Specify a truck that minimises airborn dust (bellyplate, sealed wheel arches, cyclone air filters etc)
- Compare running costs (fuel costs between manufacturers vary by as much as 50% (but electric will always be cheaper in the long term)
- Consider going electric – especially one with twin wheel drive for optimum traction with an anti roll back facility) and waterproofing so it will work outdoors as well as inside
To find out more about the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks range call the Greenline 0845 371 3048, contact info@red-diamond.co.uk or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk.
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