Electric forklift truck

SolidHub electric forklift trucks - clean lifting & transporting

The all-electric pallet trucks bring environmentally friendly movement to your warehouse. Especially if you have to move a large number of pallets, pallet cages or other heavy goods every day, a pedestrian industrial truck such as an electric pallet truck quickly reaches the limits of its load capacity in terms of time and effort. This is where it pays to include a forklift truck in the warehouse equipment. Thanks to the ingenious telescopic mast frame in three sections, the forklift truck in the neutral, fully retracted mast position is ideal for unloading in areas with low access heights. Especially when unloading a container, this can make your work easier and, above all, optimize time. However, when extended, the SolidHub forklift trucks can still reach heights that allow you to work in warehouses with high racking.

Quick-change artist forklift truck: sophisticated accessories for even more areas of application

Transporting and lifting heavy goods using the forks is the number one application for a forklift truck. Most vehicles are only used for these activities on a daily basis. However, the fact that a forklift truck can also master completely different challenges in operation with the right accessories is not always known or is not (yet) used. The forks, simply fitted with attachments, are also ideal for the following:

• The load hook attachment - fast vertical transportation of goods.
• The telescopic loader crane arm - ideal for lifting heavy loads without a crane.
• The foldable personnel work basket - as a working platform for relaxed working at height.

As you can see, suitable forklift truck accessories turn your electric forklift truck into a multi-talent in no time at all and can be stowed away in a space-saving manner for the next use when not in use.

Practical checklist / decision-making aid for the purchase of a new electric forklift truck

You should ask yourself these 10 questions before buying so that you make the right investment for you. Simply and clearly compiled and prepared by our experts. Our SolidHub electric forklift truck experts will be happy to answer any further questions you may have. Contact us by email, chat with us or give us a call - we are here for you!

1. what load capacity is required?

A forklift truck in the 1.2 to 2.0 ton class is recommended for transporting Euro pallets with an average weight of 1,200 kg - with a safety buffer, up to 3.5 or 4 tons is also possible.

2 How high must the forklift lift and with what load?

Two parameters are important here: how high are the highest shelves (maximum lift height) and how heavy are the goods (maximum load). In addition, allow for a reserve height of approx. 30 cm so that you can store and retrieve goods cleanly at all times. Important: The specified load capacity (nominal load capacity) only applies to a specific load center (usually 500 mm). Longer pallets/overhanging loads reduce the load capacity. The load capacity diagram of the forklift truck is decisive for this. For a high-bay warehouse with a height of 6 meters, a triplex lift mast with a lift height of 6.0-6.5 m is required to safely reach the transfer height.

3. how many shifts will the forklift be working?

For single-shift operation (approx. 8 hours), a lithium-ion battery without replacement is usually sufficient, which is recharged overnight; for two-shift operation (approx. 12-16 hours), either a replacement battery or a quick-charging function is required This intermediate charging (opportunity charging) takes place at best during breaks (e.g. 15-30 minutes). In round-the-clock operation (24/7), a swap battery concept or consistent opportunity charging with sufficient charging power and charging windows is almost always necessary. Above all, the company's own infrastructure (charging stations/power) must be taken into account and included in the decision.

4 Lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries?

For intensive multi-shift operation, lithium-ion usually pays for itself within 3-4 years despite higher acquisition costs, as maintenance, water refilling and battery changes are no longer necessary.

5. in what environment is the truck used?

If the forklift is mainly used in warehouses, an open cab is recommended, as it is quicker to get in and out, and provides better all-round visibility and communication. If the truck is used in a cold store (-20 °C), it must be explicitly designed for cold applications - with a heated cab and a battery suitable for use in cold conditions. Even if the forklift truck is mainly used outdoors, a forklift truck with an enclosed cab must be selected.

6 What aisle widths are there in the warehouse?

Standard counterbalanced trucks generally require an aisle width of 3.5-4.0 m. For aisle widths below 3.5 meters, a narrow aisle or high lift truck should be considered.

7 How much does an electric forklift truck cost?

An entry-level electric forklift truck (1.5 tons) costs around €15,000-20,000. The total cost of ownership (TCO) over 5 years, including energy, maintenance and batteries, is often 20-30% less than comparable diesel forklifts.

8. buy, lease or rent?

For long-term use, buying, leasing or hire-purchase is cheaper. For seasonal peaks or short projects, renting is ideal, as a purchased electric forklift truck must remain in constant motion to avoid deep discharge of the battery.

9. which service is available on site?

The decisive factor is whether the provider can guarantee a regionally available technician with short response times and fast availability of spare parts. Ideally, they should also offer technical telephone support for immediate assistance and assessment. TOPREGAL guarantees a comprehensive service network for its SolidHub forklift trucks and delivers spare parts in just 48 hours.

10. which attachments are required?

A fork extension is recommended for handling long loads. A crane arm enables heavy loads to be loaded without a crane. A folding floor container and/or dump truck attachment is perfect for transporting rubble and stones. A workman basket turns a forklift truck into a work platform for working at heights in no time at all. In winter, suitable snow scrapers offer the option of using the forklift truck to quickly clear the yard.