Electric forklift selection guide: Pinpoint the key points for the right specifications and models

First, clear operation requirements

(1) Cargo handling weight

The weight of the cargo is the primary consideration when choosing the specifications of an electric forklift truck. The weight of transported goods varies greatly in different industries and operation scenarios. In the e-commerce warehouse, you may often carry lightweight packages, generally about 1-2 tons; In the building materials market, the weight of construction materials such as cement, steel, etc., may reach 3-5 tons or even heavier. Enterprises need to accurately evaluate the maximum and average weight of the daily handling of goods, and select the appropriate bearing capacity of the electric forklift based on this. For example, if the average handling weight is about 1.5 tons, and occasionally 2 tons of goods are transported, then it is more appropriate to choose an electric forklift with a carrying capacity of 2-2.5 tons, which is the key to "choosing electric forklift specifications according to the weight of the cargo". The carrying capacity is too small, the forklift may not be able to carry the goods normally, and even there are security risks; If the carrying capacity is too large, it will cause waste of equipment resources and increase procurement and operating costs.

(2) The volume and shape of the transported goods

The volume and shape of the goods will also affect the selection of electric forklifts. For goods with large volume and regular shape, such as large household appliances, pallet goods, etc., electric forklift with standard fork can be selected, and ensure that the height of the portal frame and the length of the fork of the forklift can meet the handling needs of the goods. For some special shape, irregular goods, such as long pipe, shaped mold, etc., may need to be equipped with special accessories of electric forklift, such as side fork, rotary fork, etc. In furniture manufacturing enterprises, when handling large furniture plates, it is necessary for forklift forks to have sufficient length and width to stabilize the load plate and prevent the goods from slipping during the handling process, which reflects the importance of "choosing electric forklift trucks and models according to the shape of the goods". Accurately grasp the volume and shape characteristics of the goods, so that enterprises can choose more suitable for the actual operation of the electric forklift.

(3) Operation frequency

The working frequency determines the working intensity of the electric forklift. If the cargo handling work of the enterprise is very frequent, and a large number of loading and unloading and handling operations are required every day, then it is necessary to choose an electric forklift with stable performance and strong durability, and its battery capacity should be large enough to meet the needs of long-term continuous operation. For example, in a large logistics distribution center, forklifts may need to work 8-10 hours or even longer a day, at this time, choosing an electric forklift with an efficient charging system and a large capacity lithium battery can effectively reduce charging time and improve work efficiency, which is the strategy of "choosing the right electric forklift for high operating frequency". On the contrary, if the operation frequency is low and the electric forklift is occasionally used for handling work, some models with relatively low prices and basic configurations can be selected to reduce procurement costs.

Second, consider the operating environment

(1) Indoor working environment

The indoor working environment has high requirements for the size and quiet performance of electric forklifts. When working in narrow warehouse passageways, the turning radius and body width of forklift trucks become key factors. Choose an electric forklift with a compact body and small turning radius, which can easily shuttle through narrow channels and improve space utilization. For example, some warehouse supermarkets, the width of the channel is limited, mini electric forklift with its small and flexible characteristics, can operate freely between the shelves, which is "the choice of electric forklift model for narrow indoor space". At the same time, indoor operations are more sensitive to noise pollution, especially in some places with high requirements for environmental quiet, such as electronics factories, medical warehouses, etc., it is necessary to choose low-noise electric forklifts to avoid interference with the production and storage environment.

(2) Outdoor working environment

Outdoor work environment is relatively complex, need to consider more factors. The first is the ground conditions, if the operation on the uneven ground, such as construction sites, open freight yards, etc., should choose a good off-road performance and suspension system of electric forklift to ensure the stability and safety of driving. For example, some electric forklifts with solid tires and high chassis design can adapt to rough ground, preventing tire damage and vehicle bumps, which reflects the "electric forklift specification choice for outdoor uneven ground". Secondly, outdoor operations also need to consider the weather factors, in a wet, rainy environment, to choose a good waterproof electric forklift; In cold areas, to ensure that the battery and hydraulic system of the forklift can work normally in a low temperature environment, an electric forklift equipped with a low temperature preheating device can be selected.

3. Evaluate forklift performance

(1) Power system

The power system of electric forklift mainly includes battery and motor. The performance of the battery directly affects the endurance and working efficiency of the forklift. At present, the common batteries on the market are lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries. The price of lead-acid batteries is relatively low, but the charging time is long, the battery life is limited, and it is suitable for places where the operation intensity is small and the charging time is not high. Lithium batteries have the advantages of fast charging speed, long driving range and long service life, but their prices are higher and they are more suitable for scenarios with high frequency and high intensity operations. For example, during the e-commerce "double 11" and other promotional activities, the volume of logistics warehouse operations increased dramatically, and the electric forklift equipped with lithium batteries can complete a large number of handling tasks in a short time, which is a typical application of "choosing the type of electric forklift battery according to the intensity of operation". The power of the motor determines the lifting speed and driving speed of the forklift, and the enterprise should choose the motor with the right power according to the actual operation needs to ensure that the forklift can complete the handling task quickly and smoothly.

(2) Lifting height and speed

The lifting height is one of the important parameters of the electric forklift, which needs to be determined according to the shelf height of the working place or the height requirements of the loading and unloading goods. In the high-rise shelf warehouse, the forklift needs to have enough lifting height to accurately place the goods in the designated position. For example, some large three-dimensional warehouses, the shelf height can reach 10-15 meters, at this time, it is necessary to choose an electric forklift truck with a lifting height of about 12-16 meters, which is the main point of "choosing electric forklift lifting height specifications according to the shelf height". At the same time, the lifting speed will also affect the efficiency of the operation, for the need for fast loading and unloading of goods scenes, should choose a faster lifting speed of the electric forklift. However, too fast lifting speed may affect the stability of the forklift, and enterprises need to find a balance between lifting speed and stability.

(3) Steering system

Good steering system can make the operation of electric forklift more flexible and convenient. At present, the common steering methods of electric forklift trucks are front-wheel steering, rear-wheel steering and all-wheel steering. The front wheel steering is suitable for most routine operation scenarios, simple operation and good stability; The rear wheel steering can make the turning radius of the forklift smaller, and the operation advantage in the narrow space is obvious; All-wheel steering is more flexible and can achieve special actions such as in-place steering, which is suitable for places with high requirements for forklift flexibility, such as shipbuilding workshops. Enterprises should choose the right electric forklift steering system according to their own operating environment and operating habits, which is the key to "choose the type of electric forklift steering system according to the operation needs".

4. Refer to brand and reputation

(1) Well-known brand advantages

In the electric forklift market, well-known brands usually have higher quality assurance and technical strength. Like Linde, Jungheinrich, Heli and other brands, they have many years of experience and deep technical accumulation in forklift research and development and production. The electric forklifts produced by these brands are used in a wide range of industries worldwide, and strict quality control systems ensure that every machine meets high standards of performance and reliability. Linde's electric forklifts, for example, use advanced hydrostatic transmission technology, excellent handling performance and stability, and are highly favored in high-end logistics and industrial fields, which reflects the "technical and quality advantages of DIG-DOG electric forklifts". The well-known brand also has a perfect after-sales service network, which can provide users with repair, maintenance and other support in time to reduce the downtime and losses caused by equipment failure.

(2) User word-of-mouth research

User reputation is an important way to understand the actual performance of electric forklifts. Before choosing an electric forklift, enterprises can collect other users' evaluation of the use of different brands and models of electric forklifts through Internet forums, industry websites, user evaluation platforms and other channels. For example, in a logistics industry forum, many users feedback that a brand of electric forklift trucks perform well in after-sales service, respond in a timely manner, and maintain professional technology, which is crucial to ensure the normal operation of equipment. At the same time, users will also share the fault occurrence of forklifts in actual operations, maintenance costs and other information, these real user experience can help enterprises more comprehensively understand the advantages and disadvantages of various electric forklifts, so as to make more intelligent choices, and help enterprises to find "electric forklift brands and models with good user reputation".
5. Balance between budget and cost performance

(1) Price range analysis

The price of electric forklift varies greatly due to factors such as brand, model and configuration. Generally speaking, the price of domestic electric forklifts is relatively close to the people, and the price of some basic electric forklifts is between 50,000 and 100,000 yuan; The price of imported brands of electric forklifts is generally high, and similar models may be 100,000 to 200,000 yuan or even higher. When determining the budget, the enterprise should consider its own economic strength and long-term operating costs. If the enterprise has a limited budget and the performance requirements for forklifts are not particularly high, the domestic entry-level model with a lower price can be selected as "an economic solution for low-budget enterprises to choose electric forklifts". If the enterprise has high requirements for forklift performance, stability and after-sales service, and the funds are relatively abundant, the budget should be appropriately improved to choose high-end models, which are more cost-effective from the perspective of long-term use cost and operational efficiency.

(2) cost-effective consideration

The cost performance does not simply refer to the low price, but a comprehensive consideration of the performance, quality, after-sales service and price of electric forklifts. A cost-effective electric forklift, not only in line with the budget in price, but also in the use of good performance and low maintenance costs, to create more value for enterprises. For example, although the price of a brand of electric forklift is slightly higher than other products of the same level, it is equipped with advanced power and control systems, operation efficiency is about 20% higher than that of ordinary models, and the maintenance cycle is long and the maintenance cost is low, which can save a lot of time and capital costs for enterprises. Become "a typical representative of cost-effective electric forklift". When choosing, enterprises should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of different brands and models of electric forklifts, weigh the cost performance, and avoid ignoring the long-term use effect due to excessive pursuit of low prices.

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