One of the main expenses associated with forklifts is the operating cost, which contributes significantly to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). In order to know how to choose the best power source for your forklift fleet, it is important to consider the specific needs based on your type of business, application, utilization rate, company vision, level of complexity, approach to sustainability and much more. Toyota helps you meet your exact needs with the right type of power source, forklift models and operating layout.
Our energy solutions can help you:
- Enjoy leaner operation with no equipment downtime due to low batteries
- Reduce your energy use and gas emissions
- Reduce operating costs
- optimize space
- Improve equipment uptime
- Rationalize production deadlines
So which power source is suitable for my forklifts?
While lead-acid batteries have been the common power source for forklifts for several years, Toyota pioneered the use of lithium-ion batteries as an option as early as 2013. Since then, it has quickly become a power source. primary for forklifts. Lithium-ion batteries help companies achieve their sustainability goals as they use less energy than traditional lead-acid batteries.
Choosing the right energy option for your forklift fleet depends on several factors, such as the habits of your operators, type of loads handled, type of operating environment, among others. Below, we compare some of the most common options:
Lithium ion
Main features:
- Full charging time: Between 60 and 90 min
- Charging infrastructure: No battery room required. The electrical installation must be properly dimension.
- Maintenance: None
- Lifecycle: Approximately 5,000 charge cycles
- Emissions: None
How can Li-ion batteries help my forklift to operate?
Efficient and flexible charging:
Lithium-ion is the most energy efficient solution available. Highly suitable for both single-shift and multi-shift environments, it is easier and faster to charge than lead-acid technology and allows for opportunity charging. This eliminates the need to change batteries during the day, maximizing overall forklift productivity rates.
Smart chargers keep costs in Check:
We offer our own lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries assembled by TOYOTA, with different capacities in different models. Depending on your needs, usage rates, application, and power infrastructure, we match the right battery with the right charger. All our smart chargers have the DPL (Dynamic Power Limitation) system, which manage your overall energy usage, avoiding high “peaks” of energy demand. When charging multiple devices at the same time, chargers send most of the power to the device that currently has the lowest battery. This reduces charging time and improves process energy efficiency by up to 15%.
Advantages of lithium-ion batteries:
Li-Ion batteries are safer, more efficient and more reliable. Some of its benefits as a power source for forklifts include:
- More than three times longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries
- 30% more energy efficient than lead acid
- Toyota’s seven-year warranty and battery capacity warranty
- Greater safety due to the exclusive Toyota Li-ion connector
- Easy and fast charging: full charge in less time
- No preventive battery maintenance or water supply required
- Zero emission of pollutants
- Non-toxic composition
- Safe and reliable technology
- Low life cycle cost
Main features:
- Time to fully charge: approximately 8 hours
- Charging infrastructure: requires battery room
- Maintenance: Intense – regular water supply
- Lifecycle: Approximately 1,500 charge cycles
- Emissions: Release of hydrogen gas during charging
How can lead-acid batteries help my operation?
Regular and profitable charging
Although lead-acid batteries have the lowest initial cost, they require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. Batteries require a separate charging room and take approximately 8 hours to fully charge. Batteries also require regular water supply.
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Available options:
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
- Vehicle Natural Gas (CNG)
- Gasoline
- Diesel
How can combustion engines help my operation?
A model with an internal combustion engine has a lower initial cost compared to an electric one. Combustion equipment is suitable for outdoor applications and is usually easier to work with ramps or uneven floors. To be used indoors, their operation requires a sufficient ventilation system in the operating environment to deal with the gas emissions that occur due to fuel combustion. Internal combustion engines do not require any charging time and are easy and quick to refuel if the refueling infrastructure is available. For used forklift in Houston Click here
Advantages of combustion forklifts
Ideal for outdoor tasks, internal combustion engines offer several advantages:
Efficient and long time between refills
Low initial cost
Fast refueling for LPG tanks
Suitable for applications in outdoor areas and with uneven floors
