Our Managing Director, Laura Hampson, provides an insight into advances in material handling – including the growing demand for electrification – and discusses what this means for the sector…
Whilst we’ve witnessed many industries taking an interest in electrification and keeping a close watch on its applications, one of the sectors to have embraced electrification more widely has been material handling.
This market has embraced powertrain solutions for forklift trucks, electric tugs, conveyors, hoists, etc, with electric traction drives and e-axles, pump motors and motor controllers all in demand.
Working with OEMs, we’ve seen first-hand that there is an increasing demand for forklift solutions that benefit both the environment and the end user. With advancing technologies, manufacturers are dealing with shorter design cycles of around four years and due to advances in components such as batteries, motor technology, sensors and safety mechanisms, there are more considerations to take into account.
Forklifts have massively benefited from advances in sensor technology – this technology means external obstacles can be detected and avoided, greatly enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Sensors are also playing an important role in the driver’s cab. For example, sensors can monitor operator presence and the driver’s use of a seatbelt, and they can trigger alarms and/or inhibit movement to ensure the correct and safe use of equipment.
Moving onto electrification, combustion engines are being swapped for battery driven electric motors to reduce emissions. This can be a great benefit for operators, particularly when work is being carried out in an enclosed environment, as there are no fumes and noise is significantly reduced.
In addition, in a traditional combustion engine, there are a lot of moving parts and a number of components – there is a lot that could go wrong and maintenance is often costly and time-consuming. In comparison, electric motors have significantly fewer moving components, which results in less wear and tear, lower maintenance, quieter operation, higher reliability and greater efficiency.
Momentum is building for pure electrification across a number of off-highway markets, such as construction, earthmoving and mining, where reduced noise and lower emissions are advantageous to the working environment. We’re seeing an increased adoption of electric excavators, compact loaders and mini diggers for urban environments, as well as electric haul trucks and underground vehicles. We’re also seeing companies experimenting with hybrid equipment before committing fully to electrification.
As with any innovation in the market, some companies go all in at the start while others will be more cautious and watch and wait to take advantage of lessons learned. This is also something we’re seeing when working with OEMs who are keen to manufacture equipment that is safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly, but don’t have the resources for the upfront investment that electrification requires.
We’re seeing this being addressed in the form of hybrid powertrains, a transitional step, where a combination of battery and diesel is used. And we’re working with OEMs to retrofit solutions to existing equipment. This enables older machines to make the electric transition without businesses needing to replace them – this may be the preferred route of many companies if/when legislation makes reducing carbon emissions a necessity.
Lancereal is proud to support OEMs with their transition to a greener, and quieter, manual handling solutions. Find out more here.
Or you can get in touch with our team to discuss your individual project requirements.