Capital Equipment News February 2022

compared to fuel alternatives. The total cost of ownership of an electric forklift is a fraction of that of the diesel or LPG alternative.” He says there are major savings to be realised in the form of reduced maintenance and fuel costs. “Finally,” says Naidoo, “there are benefits to the operator, such as reduced vibration and improved torque availability, making it easier to move loads.” Shumani Industrial Equipment’s Nemukula agrees, saying electric forklifts offer a cleaner and safer technology. “The electric forklift offers savings over its lifetime as well as a positive impact on the economy.” South Africa remains the most advanced and sophisticated warehouse logistics industry across the continent. This is despite the worrying state of the economy. We have a world-class third-party logistics provider industry that continues to excel in warehousing operations to provide state- of-the-art services to companies ranging from just-in-time deliveries through to cross-docking solutions that reduce costs and improve efficiencies in the supply chain. Forklifts are a vital component of these functions. b

“Over time, we will only have electric forklifts operating across the breadth of the economy.”

Victor Nemukula, MD of Shumani Industrial Equipment

“It is extremely important to spec the correct machine for the job as using the incorrect propellant type, model or mast configuration can impact the machine’s efficiency.”

Brenton Kemp, Criterion Equipment divisional MD

TALKING POINTS

and storage enclosures. “Another advantage pertains to the cost advantage offered by electric machines

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