So, Can I Use My Electric Forklifts Outdoors?
We hear that question a lot. And the good news is… you CAN use your electric forklifts to pitch in with the outdoor work, but there are several considerations to understand first.
The electric forklift– especially the lithium-ion battery-powered forklift– is rapidly replacing internal combustion (IC) for many material handling tasks. The one area where IC forklifts were advantageous was for heavy-duty outdoor use. But even that is changing.
With their higher density energy storage, Li-ion batteries have proven to be up to some of the most demanding outdoor tasks. What’s more, when it comes to outdoor material handling, Li-ion batteries are preferable to lead-acid batteries because they withstand the elements better. Here are some of the things you need to think about when deciding to use an electric forklift outdoors.
- Check your forklift’s IP rating – All forklifts come with an IP rating, or Ingress Protection Rating, that classifies the degree of protection a vehicle has against certain conditions. The IP rating comes with two numerical ratings–a first one, for dust, dirt and solid objects, and a second one, for resistance to water. A 0 rating means not very resistant, while a 6 or higher rating means very resistant. Generally, a forklift with an IP rating of IP54 can be safely used outdoors, but it’s best to confer with your Apex sales rep to determine whether your existing forklifts are compatible with outdoor use and which electric models work best outdoors.
- Pneumatic tires – You might be tempted to use your indoor electric forklift equipped with solid tires outdoors, but unless it will be operating in a smooth, paved environment, it’s not recommended. Make sure your outdoor forklift is equipped with solid or air-filled pneumatic tires designed for outdoor use. This is especially important in climates where snow and ice are present. Check out our Forklift Tire 101 Blog for more. Once again, however, it’s best to contact your Apex rep who can help you select from Apex’s wide variety of cushion and pneumatic tires to find the ones that best fit your application.
- Operator safety and comfort – As with IC forklifts, the safe operation of an electric forklift depends on the operator’s comfort. An uncomfortable operator may be tempted to take shortcuts that could prove dangerous. Electric forklifts offer a lower noise and vibration level than IC forklifts and thus create less operator fatigue. Operators should make sure they are wearing the right clothing for the climate. For extreme outdoor conditions, opt for a forklift with an enclosed cab.
- Use a Li-ion battery forklift in extreme cold – Lead acid batteries do not fare well in very cold conditions. They can lose as much as 50% of their power when the thermometer drops. Li-ion batteries, in contrast, maintain more of their power at lower temperatures. Additionally, it’s easier to set up a charging station for a Li-ion-powered forklift outdoors. You just need a plug. No need to swap out batteries or maintain a watering station.
- Be aware of maintenance – Operating a forklift outdoors subjects the vehicle to rain, mud, dirt, dust, salt, snow and ice. It’s a good idea to confirm that all doors and hatches that contain electrical components are well-sealed and that the forklift goes indoors to be cleaned and for periodic maintenance to check that weather has not compromised any of the electrical or mechanical components.
Operator training – Drivers of electric forklifts outdoors need to be trained on the specific challenges of operating an outdoor forklift, but also on the protocols of charging an electric forklift. Li-on forklifts benefit from opportunity charging to provide their greatest efficiency, while lead-acid forklifts may need to come indoors to be charged.
The knowledgeable forklift specialists at Apex can help you select the electric forklift that best suits your needs. We carry an extensive line of CLARK, BYD and Big Joe forklifts designed for both indoor–warehouse, retail or manufacturing–or outdoor–yard, port or dock–use. In Chicago and throughout northern Illinois, Apex is your best choice for warehouse and material handling products and services.
Contact the Apex team for all your material handling equipment needs.