Protecting the environment is important and using eco-friendly forklifts can help to ensure a sustainable future. Technological advancements have helped to make forklifts more environmentally friendly, and this can be seen in hydrogen fuel cells. The cell produces electricity by utilising oxygen and hydrogen. So, what factors should you consider when looking to purchase an eco-friendly forklift?

Type of fuel

Fuel has a large impact on the environment and you can choose from LPG, diesel or electric powered forklifts. Out of the three, electric forklifts are the most energy efficient and produce zero emissions. This makes them suited to a retail and food environments because of the lack of pollutants.

However, you should think about the kind of materials that are suited to your forklift’s handling applications. If you’re handling heavy equipment in a harsh environment then a diesel forklift may be the most eco-friendly option.

Waste reduction

An eco-friendly forklift is a vehicle that’s long lasting. You’ll want to buy one that has a sturdy design so it reduces the need to dispose of broken parts. A forklift that has load indicators will help you identify how much weight it can take. This will prevent a driver from causing too much strain and damaging the forklift.

Renewable energy

If you’re going to buy an electric forklift then it’s important to consider where the energy comes from. If the electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, then it isn’t sustainable. Think about if the energy supply can be generated from solar or wind power.

Research renewable materials

As well as focusing on fuel, it can be beneficial to look at making other parts of a forklift environmentally sustainable. Solar reacting glass has been heralded as an energy efficient material.

It’s crucial that we protect the environment for future generations, and eco-friendly forklifts are a step in the right direction.