Keep It Simple Success - The No-Frills Approach

Far removed from its early predecessors, the modern forklift is nothing short of a technological wonder.  Just think about how much the forklift has changed over the last two decades through the introduction of advanced engineering, composite materials, and artificial intelligence.  The net effect of these additions is that the modern forklift almost has more in common with advanced concept cars from 20 years ago than forklifts from the same era.  Yet for some applications, not only do these advanced features provide little advantage, they also make it far more difficult to generate a positive return on your investment. 

Each forklift has an effective economic shelf life, or the point at which it costs more per year to maintain a forklift than the forklift is worth.  This fact is a function of the economic lifetime of the forklift, where factors such as the work environment, maintenance, and driving habits combine to determine the relative value of a forklift as it ages vs its operational costs.  As the difficulty of the work environment increases (based on the previously mentioned factors), the overall value of the forklift decreases as the cost of upkeep increases. 

Operating in harsh work environments, where wear increases as a result of corrosive liquids, atmospheric particulate (smoke, grit, dust, fibers), and uneven surfaces, a forklift will have a substantially shorter economic life.  These environments effectively limit the potential return on investment by reducing the average lifespan of a forklift by a factor of 2 or more.  This does not mean that a forklift can no longer be operated, but that the associated costs (maintenance, down-time, lack of reliability) outweigh the potential benefits. 

Whether your equipment purchase ends up being a sound investment is dependent upon selecting the most cost-effective and realistic equipment for your needs and work environment.  Instead of heavily investing in the advanced functionality and features found in the more expensive forklift models on the market today, these harsh applications are better served with cost-effective, no frills models that are built to last.  Take Stärke’s EcoMaxx line of LPG and diesel forklifts, for example, where a no-frills, straightforward design ensures it is easy to operate and maintain without breaking the budget.  Rather than emphasize advanced features, these forklifts are built for reliability and serve as an ideal forklift for 4-6 hour operations.  And, with a 24 month, 2000 hour power train warranty, you can feel comfortable with the security these trucks provide.  For more information on Stärke's EcoMaxx line of forklifts, visit our EcoMaxx webpage or speak with your local Stärke dealer today!

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www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

Greenhouses Go Electric

As manufacturers and end-users alike continue to implement sustainability initiatives throughout their operations, the electric forklift has risen to the forefront as an effective and efficient material handling equipment solution.  As of 2013, electric forklifts represent more than 60% of the North America market, with even greater adoption rates in Europe.  At the leading edge of this trend is the greenhouse industry, where many operations have abandoned internal combustion models in favor of the electric forklift.

While factors contributing to this transition within the greenhouse industry are many and varied, the negative effects of exhaust gas on many crops are among the chief concern for many greenhouse operations.  Among highly sensitive crops such as tomatoes, orchids, petunias, and other potted plants (which experience negative effects at concentrations as low as 0.01 ppm), the presence of noxious gases like CO₂, ethylene and sulfur dioxide can lead to chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves), flower and leaf abscission, wilting, stunted growth, and reduced flowering among others.  

In these situations, the electric forklift represents an efficient and versatile solution.  Unlike an internal combustion unit, the fully electric, battery-powered AC motor of an electric forklift is emissions free and thus poses no threat to sensitive plant species.  What’s more, the electric forklift offers all the same functionality as a traditional forklift with additional benefits including enhanced maneuverability and a lower total ownership. 

Beyond the plants themselves, there are additional reasons to consider an electric forklift in greenhouse applications.  From an employee perspective, the electric forklift limits exposure to two kinds of pollution: exhaust gases and noise pollution.  This, in turn, limits the need for additional layers of protection including ear protection and additional ventilation.  Electric forklifts are also more efficient in their energy use in comparison to internal combustion models, where the heat produced in the combustion process reduces overall fuel efficiency and increases operational costs. 

Between the negative impact of exhaust gas emissions and the distinct advantages provided by AC motors – including zero emissions, reduce noise population and high efficiency – it is easy to see why there is so much consumer demand for AC units in today’s market.  If you’re considering an electric forklift for your greenhouse operation, talk to a Stärke forklift dealer today, each of which have access to a wide variety of electric forklifts sure to suit your needs and application.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please remember to +1, like, share, comment and follow if you enjoyed this post!

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352