The transition from LP gas forklifts to lithium battery-operated forklifts at the Centerville, Iowa, plant has been a multi-faceted win for the location. The sustainability and cost benefits are substantial.
Brett Kerbach, the plant manager, and Ryan, the maintenance lead, spearheaded this initiative. The decision to switch was based on a study that revealed that up to 50 percent of the time they were running, the location’s LP trucks were idle, leading to unnecessary and significant energy waste.
The switch to electric forklifts has resulted in substantial financial benefits. The plant has achieved annual savings of over $100,000 in propane expenses and reduced maintenance costs from eliminating oil changes and implementing a simplified preventive maintenance (PM) schedule.
The new forklifts have also improved safety by eliminating LP exhaust and enhancing operators’ visibility. The plant also implements a digital forklift inspection using a cloud-based checklist to ensure all safety protocols are followed.
