The main types of electric forklifts
In order to properly address the costs associated with electric forklifts, it is important to have a clear understanding of the primary classifications of these vehicles.
The prices for these forklifts can vary greatly depending on which category they fall into.
There are several main types of electric forklifts that can be broadly classified.
1. Counterbalance electric forklifts:
- Powered by rechargeable lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries.
- The most commonly used electric forklifts have a counterbalanced structure that ensures stability and lifting capability.
- They come in various lifting capacities, usually ranging from 1 to 5 tons.
- These forklifts are powered by rechargeable lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries.
2. Electric reach trucks:
- Electric forklifts that are specifically designed for narrow aisles.
- Their compact design enables them to operate in tight spaces.
- Capable of extending the forks forward in order to retrieve pallets from high racking.
- Typically, these forklifts have a capacity range of 1-2.5 tons.
3. Electric pallet trucks:
- Also known as electric pallet jacks or pallet movers.
- Used for lifting and moving palletized loads over short distances.
- Compact and maneuverable, with a capacity of 1-2 tons.
- Some models can be driven while walking behind or riding on.
4. Electric order pickers:
- Elevate the operator to allow picking of items from high shelves.
- Enable efficient order picking and fulfillment in warehouses.
- Often have lifting capacities of 1 ton or less.
5. Electric stackers:
- Compact, maneuverable design for tight spaces
- Vertical mast and forks to lift and stack pallets
- Powered by rechargeable electric batteries
- Load capacity typically 1-2 tons
Price of counterbalance electric forklift:
1. Price based on lifting capacity:
Smaller counterbalance electric forklifts (1-2 ton capacity) typically cost between $20,000 – $35,000.
Medium-duty models (3-5 ton capacity) are generally priced from $35,000 – $55,000.
Heavy-duty counterbalance electric forklifts (over 5 ton capacity) can cost $55,000 – $90,000.
2. Price based on battery Type:
Forklifts with lead-acid batteries tend to be on the lower end of the price range.
Those with more expensive lithium-ion batteries can cost $5,000 – $10,000 more.
3. Prices based on manufacturer and brand
Counterbalance electric forklifts from major industrial brands like Toyota, Hyster, and Yale are usually priced higher than lesser-known manufacturers.
Prices for the leading brand models can be 20-30% more.
4. Additional features prices:
Things like advanced safety systems, ergonomic operator compartments, and fleet management connectivity can add several thousand dollars to the price.
So in summary, a typical price range for a quality counterbalance electric forklift would be anywhere from $30,000 up to $70,000, depending on the specific model and configuration. The final cost is highly dependent on the application needs and desired features.
Price of electric reach trucks:
The cost of reach trucks, a specialized type of electric forklift, can vary considerably depending on several key factors:
1. Price based on lift Capacity:
- Smaller reach trucks with 1-2 ton capacity are typically priced between $30,000 – $45,000.
- Medium-duty models with 2.5-3.5 ton capacity range from $45,000 – $60,000.
- Heavier-duty reach trucks over 4 ton capacity can cost $60,000 – $90,000.
2. Price based on battery and power System:
- Reach trucks with lead-acid batteries are generally on the lower end of the price range.
- Models with more expensive lithium-ion battery packs can add $5,000 – $10,000 to the cost.
- Some reach trucks use alternative power sources like fuel cells, which further increases the price.
3. Specialized features:
- Reach trucks with advanced technology like automated storage/retrieval, fleet management systems, and camera-based guidance can cost significantly more.
- Customization and specialized attachments also increase the price.
On average, a quality reach truck in the 2-3 ton capacity range will typically cost between $50,000 – $70,000. However, the final price can vary widely based on the specific model, brand, and feature set required for the application.
Price of electric pallet trucks:
The price range for electric pallet trucks, also known as electric pallet jacks or electric pallet movers, can vary significantly depending on several factors:
1. Price based on lift capacity:
- Basic pallet trucks with 2,000-3,000 lb lift capacity typically cost $3,000 – $6,000.
- Medium-duty pallet trucks with 4,000-5,000 lb capacity range from $6,000 – $10,000.
- Heavy-duty pallet trucks over 5,000 lb capacity can cost $10,000 – $15,000.
2. Price based on battery type:
- Pallet trucks with lead-acid batteries are generally the most affordable, ranging from $3,000 – $7,000.
- Lithium-ion battery powered pallet trucks cost $1,000 – $3,000 more.
3. Price based on platform design:
- Walk-behind pallet trucks are the most basic and least expensive, starting around $3,000.
- Rider pallet trucks with a small platform for the operator cost $6,000 – $12,000.
4. Additional features:
- Pallet trucks with advanced features like on-board scales, electronic steering, and fleet management capabilities can add several thousand dollars to the cost.
On average, a good quality mid-range electric pallet truck with a 4,000 lb capacity and lead-acid battery will typically cost $6,000 – $8,000. However, the final price can vary significantly based on the specific requirements and features.
Price of electric order picker:
The pricing for electric order pickers, which are designed to lift operators up to high shelves for order picking, can vary considerably based on several key factors:
1. Price based on lift height:
- Order pickers with a lift height of 15-20 feet typically cost $25,000 – $35,000.
- Order pickers with a higher lift range of 20-30 feet will cost $35,000 – $50,000.
- Specialized high-reach order pickers over 30 feet can exceed $50,000.
2. Price based on load capacity:
- Most order pickers have a rated capacity of 1,000 – 2,000 lbs.
- The load capacity directly impacts the price, with higher capacities costing more.
3. Price based on battery type:
- Order pickers with standard lead-acid batteries are on the lower end of the price range.
- Models with lithium-ion batteries can cost $5,000 – $10,000 more.
4. Additional features:
- Order pickers with advanced ergonomics, operator assist systems, and fleet management capabilities can add significantly to the cost.
- Customizations and specialized attachments also increase the price.
On average, a quality electric order picker with a 20-foot lift range and 1,500 lb capacity will typically cost $35,000 – $45,000. However, the final price can vary widely based on the specific model, features, and brand selected.
Price of electric stacker
The cost of electric stackers, also known as electric pallet stackers or stacker trucks, can range quite a bit depending on the specific features and capabilities:
1. Price based on lift height:
- Basic electric stackers with lift heights of 80-120 inches typically cost $10,000 – $15,000.
- Mid-range stackers with lift heights of 120-180 inches range from $15,000 – $25,000.
- Heavy-duty stackers with lift heights over 180 inches can cost $25,000 – $35,000.
2. Price based on load capacity:
- Stackers with 1-2 ton load capacities are priced between $10,000 – $20,000.
- Stackers with 2.5-3 ton capacities generally cost $20,000 – $30,000.
3. Price based on battery type:
- Electric stackers with lead-acid batteries tend to be on the lower end of the price range.
- Lithium-ion battery powered stackers can cost $2,000 – $5,000 more.
4. Price based on platform design:
- Pedestrian-operated stackers (walk-behind) are the most affordable, $10,000 – $15,000.
- Rider-operated stackers with a small platform cost $15,000 – $25,000.
On average, a good quality mid-range electric stacker with a 150-inch lift height and 2-ton capacity will typically cost $18,000 – $22,000. However, the specific price can vary significantly based on the features, battery type, and brand selected.
