Capital Equipment News October 2023

ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS

Compared to their fuel-powered counterparts, electric forklifts are more energy-efficient, resulting in lower operational costs.

Continue work even when fuel costs rise With the rising cost of fuel in South Africa and the added drive towards zero-emissions and carbon neutrality, electric forklifts can provide a more sustainable solution.

I n a world where sustainability and energy conservation are at the forefront of global discussions, South Africa faces unique challenges, particularly when it comes to its power supply. Frequent power interruptions, often referred to as loadshedding, have become a daily reality for businesses across the country. This unreliability and inefficiency have manifested as operational disruption, downtime, and a host of complex challenges that go beyond merely keeping the lights on. From supply chain disruptions to the unpredictable nature of loadshedding schedules, the implications are far-reaching and often costly. The role of electric forklifts Electric forklifts have emerged as a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by power supply interruptions and rising fuel costs. These forklifts, designed and constructed with energy efficiency in mind, offer several advantages that extend beyond their immediate functionality. Let’s explore the key factors contributing to their growing popularity in South Africa. One of the primary benefits of electric forklifts, such as the Mitsubishi Counterbalance electric forklift, is their reduced consumption of resources. Compared to their fuel-powered counterparts, electric forklifts are more

energy-efficient, resulting in lower operational costs. Additionally, their

maintenance requirements are generally lower due to fewer moving parts and the absence of needs like oil changes and tune ups. This translates into cost savings for businesses in the long run. Businesses that rely on material handling as a key part of their operations to be operationally resilient says Masslift Africa CEO, Marco Caverni. Caverni states that all these costs can be managed, but that this will require a long term view and a look at the full picture. “The best way to save on material handling costs now is to start looking at the bigger picture and the long-term. We need to say ‘ok, how much is this forklift going to cost me in total over the next 5 years?’ Especially if you’re going to take a conservative approach and assume that market conditions are only going to get worse. Start looking at your 2025 costs and figure out what you can do today to manage what lies ahead,” says Caverni. Electric forklifts contribute to the value of the facilities in which they operate. They are designed to ensure operational continuity during loadshedding, preventing costly disruptions and downtime. Sustainability Electric forklifts align with this initiative

“The best way to save on material handling costs now is to start looking at the bigger picture and the long-term.”

Marco Caverni, Masslift Africa CEO

TALKING POINT

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