MANUFACTURING AND industrial storage operations are always under pressure to improve efficiency and reduce downtime, while adapting to evolving regulatory and environmental requirements. Against that backdrop, the way products are moved around a production facility or storage area can have a direct impact on productivity, profitability and sustainability. 

This is why the choice of electric forklifts plays a core role. When environmental goals matter as well as the bottom line, their clean, electric power means zero exhaust emissions, along with cost-efficient operation, representing an affordable way to harness the benefits of lithium-ion batteries.

But how can these advantages help manufacturers tackle daily materials handling tasks? Here are some examples.

All-purpose design for mixed operations

Manufacturers often need to move components or goods between indoor production areas and outdoor storage or loading areas. 

The Hyster J2.0–3.5XTLG offers clean, quiet performance in indoor spaces, while a robust build and capacities up to 3.5 tonnes reliably handle outdoor demands. This provides the flexibility for mixed operations, helping affordably streamline materials handling tasks.

Versatility for mixed and heavy loads

Flexibility is also essential when operations involve a mix of load sizes and weights. With lift capacity up to 5 tonnes, the Hyster J4.0–5.0XTLG can offer a balanced combination of strength and manoeuvrability, ideal for moving finished goods to dispatch and working in busy storage aisles.

A low overhead guard option is available with a height of 2250mm instead of the usual 2400mm, giving manufacturing operations a way to load goods directly into the container, ready for transport. 

Meanwhile, the Hyster J5.0–7.0XTLG has up to 7 tonnes capacity, useful for dealing with heavier loads, such as bulk raw materials or tooling equipment, in a range of scenarios whether taking deliveries in an outdoor storage area, or feeding processing operations and the production line.

These lift trucks come with an IPX4 waterproof resistance, allowing firms to maintain continuous outside operation, even in wet conditions.

Electric forklifts are well-established in the UK. Industry figures suggest electrically powered industrial trucks accounted for around 70% of the market in 2024. The pressing question for most operations is now how to best match truck capacity and specification to the task across mixed indoor and outdoor work, varied load sizes and heavier materials handling.

Alex Sakowski is director, product management, 4-9t counterbalanced at Hyster

For more information: 

www.hyster.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1276 538500