Electric forklift truck

SolidHub electric forklifts – clean lifting and transport

Fully electric mast forklifts keep goods moving through your warehouse with lower local emissions. If you move large numbers of pallets, mesh pallet boxes or other heavy goods every day, pedestrian-operated handling equipment such as an electric stacker can quickly reach its practical limits in terms of time and physical effort. This is when adding a forklift to your warehouse equipment becomes worthwhile. The sophisticated three-part telescopic mast is particularly useful in its neutral, fully retracted position when unloading into areas with restricted entry height. This can simplify container unloading and considerably improve turnaround times. When extended, SolidHub forklifts nevertheless reach heights suitable for work in warehouses with high-bay racking.

A versatile forklift: sophisticated attachments for even more applications

Transporting and lifting heavy goods with the forks is a forklift's number 1 purpose, and many vehicles are used exclusively for these tasks every day. It is less widely recognised that the right attachments allow an industrial truck to handle very different workplace requirements. With suitable attachments, the forks are also ideal for the following applications:

• The load-hook attachment – for rapid vertical movement of goods.
• The telescopic-loader crane arm – ideal for lifting heavy loads without a crane.
• The folding personnel work platform – for convenient work at height.

The appropriate forklift attachments turn an electric forklift into a versatile workplace asset in no time. When not in use, they can be stored compactly until the next job.

Practical checklist and decision guide for buying a new electric forklift

Consider these 10 questions before purchasing so that you can select the right investment for your requirements. Our experts have compiled them in a clear, practical format. SolidHub electric-forklift specialists are also available to answer any further questions. Contact us by email, chat with us or call us – we are here to help.

1. What load capacity is required?

For transporting Euro pallets with an average weight of 1,200 kg, a forklift in the 1.2- to 2.0-tonne class is recommended. To provide an additional safety margin, a capacity of up to 3.5 or 4 tonnes may be appropriate.

2. How high must the forklift lift, and with what load?

Two parameters are important: the height of the highest racks, which determines the maximum lift height, and the weight of the goods, which determines the maximum load. Allow approximately 30 cm of additional height so that goods can always be stored and retrieved cleanly. Important: the specified load capacity, or rated capacity, always applies only at a defined load centre, generally 500 mm. Longer pallets and projecting loads reduce the available capacity, so the forklift's load chart is decisive. A high-bay warehouse with a height of 6 metres requires a triplex mast with a lift height of 6.0–6.5 m to reach the transfer height safely.

3. How many shifts will the forklift operate?

For single-shift operation of approximately 8 hours, one lithium-ion battery that is recharged overnight is generally sufficient. For two-shift operation of approximately 12–16 hours, either a replaceable battery or a rapid-charging function is required. Opportunity charging is best carried out during breaks, for example for 15–30 minutes. In continuous 24/7 operation, a replaceable-battery concept or consistent opportunity charging with sufficient charging power and suitable charging windows is almost always necessary. Your own infrastructure, including charging locations and available power, must be considered in the decision.

4. Lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries?

For intensive multi-shift operation, lithium-ion technology generally recovers its higher purchase cost within 3–4 years because maintenance, water refilling and battery replacement are eliminated.

5. In what environment will the forklift be used?

An open cab is recommended when the forklift is used mainly inside a warehouse because it allows faster entry and exit, better all-round visibility and easier communication. For cold-store use at −20 °C, the forklift must be designed explicitly for low-temperature applications, with a heated cab and a cold-compatible battery. A forklift used predominantly outdoors must likewise have an enclosed cab.

6. How wide are the warehouse aisles?

Standard counterbalance forklifts generally require a working-aisle width of 3.5–4.0 m. For aisles narrower than 3.5 metres, consider a narrow-aisle truck or stacker.

7. How much does an electric forklift cost?

An entry-level electric forklift with a capacity of 1.5 tonnes costs approximately €15,000–20,000. Calculated over 5 years, total cost of ownership, including energy, maintenance and batteries, is often 20–30% lower than for comparable diesel forklifts.

8. Buy, lease or rent?

Purchasing, leasing or hire purchase is more economical for continuous use. Rental is ideal for seasonal peaks or short projects because a purchased electric forklift must be operated regularly to avoid deep discharge of the battery.

9. What local service is available?

The critical question is whether the supplier can guarantee access to a regional technician, short response times and rapid spare-parts availability. Ideally, technical telephone support should also be available for immediate assistance and an initial assessment. TOPREGAL provides a comprehensive service network for its SolidHub forklifts and supplies spare parts within just 48 hours.

10. Which attachments are required?

Fork extensions are recommended for handling long goods. A crane arm makes it possible to lift heavy loads without a crane. A drop-bottom container and/or tipping-skip attachment is ideal for removing rubble and stones. A work platform quickly turns a forklift into an access platform for tasks at height. In winter, compatible snowplough attachments allow the forklift to clear the company yard quickly.