Tipton, UK: Operators of LP Gas-powered warehouse trucks are increasingly switching to lithium-ion battery-powered alternatives, says John Maguire, managing director, Narrow Aisle.
Lithium-ion battery-powered trucks improvee truck up-time, drive down running costs, reduce operational noise levels and eliminate exhaust emissions within their buildings, Maguire says.
“LP Gas is costly and linked to global oil prices, and from an operational point of view, the time taken to change or fill each gas bottle means that truck downtime can be a problem for some high utilisation customers,” John Maguire says.
“In addition, the control systems and catalytic converters required to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide emission from LPG engines add significantly to a truck’s operating costs, so it’s easy to see why many warehouse operators consider lithium-ion powered trucks to be a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to LPG machines. Indeed, according to recent research, 78% of lift truck operators stated that they will consider lithium-ion when the time comes for their next forklift acquisition.”
John Maguire says that for any multi-shift operation, switching from LPG to lithium-ion-powered materials handling equipment is a ‘no-brainer’.
“A lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in under an hour and provides consistent voltage – which means they don’t slow down the machine as they discharge. And, because they do not emit any exhaust gases, they are a better option for the working environment,” he says.
Narrow Aisle launched the Flexi LiTHiON range of lithium-ion powered articulated warehouse trucks two years ago. The range is proving to be a highly popular with third party logistics service suppliers and manufacturers with warehouses looking to achieve maximum supply chain efficiency Maguire says.
