LPG trucks replace electrics
German logistics company Agility has replaced its fleet of electric trucks with new Hyster H1.8FT LPG forklifts, enabling the company to increase handling capacity and extend service intervals in the growing automotive logistics area of the business.
At first, Agility considered tackling its challenges either by equipping its existing fleet of electric trucks with extra batteries or by holding more trucks in reserve. However, even possible solutions such as an intermediate store were ruled out due to time constraints.
“Even using and recharging lithium-ion batteries, for example at lunchtime, would not have been enough to help us," said Agility’s technical manager. "Fridays are especially busy and we have no free time at all – the trucks must run. We rely on them 100 per cent in order to ensure the car parts are ready to be shipped from Stuttgart to Brazil, Mexico, the United States and China. The ships can’t wait for us.”
Hyster and Agility worked together to considered a variety of possible solutions before deciding the most sensible solution was to change the fleet of electric forklift trucks to natural gas vehicles.
Since the introduction of the new trucks, the reliability of the Hyster H1.8FT Fortens forklifts has assisted smooth operations at Agility. Except for changing the gas bottle and conducting scheduled maintenance, trucks can run without interruption. No additional reserve trucks had to be purchased, so today eight robust Hyster LPG trucks have almost completely replaced the previous electric forklift fleet.
Total operating costs have been significantly reduced through the use of LPG forklifts. At first look, electric forklifts appeared to be cheaper, as LPG trucks come with higher maintenance costs and a 15 to 20 percent higher initial cost. However, as Agility would have needed extra batteries or additional electric trucks, when considering the cost against the required operating time and distance travelled, the LPG option actually provides a lower total cost of ownership.
“The solution has paid off quickly because our customers need reliable partners that help them to avoid production downtime," explains the client. “Agility can respond immediately when an incorrect item or an insufficient quantity has been delivered, and the customer can request information directly from the warehouse management system at any time.”
