The decision for Burton Roofing Merchants - who are replacing their diesel powered trucks across its 13 UK depots, to switch from a diesel to electric fleet was prompted by concerns over the rising price of fuel following the announcement that the Government is planning to prohibit the use of red diesel in forklift trucks.
In effect this means that transport and logistics firms will no longer be able to purchase or use red diesel (which gets its name because it is literally coloured with a red dye to allow it to be identified and prevent its use in road vehicles) to fuel diesel-powered forklift trucks. The new rule will come into effect from 1st April 2022.
We spoke to Jordan Edge, Burton Roofing Merchants’ Group Transport Manager, to understand what was behind their decision to switch:
“From April 1st 2022 companies like us that operate large diesel-powered IC engine lift truck fleets, face a significant increase in their materials handling equipment (MHE) running costs. This coming price rise coupled with our constant efforts to reduce Burton’s environmental impact - both globally and locally - led us to consider alternatives to diesel-driven MHE.”
Burton has operated Toyota equipment for over 25 years and had no hesitation in turning to Toyota Material Handling for advice.
A fuel cost analysis was undertaken at each of Burton’s 13 sites. Based on the current price of diesel and electricity, the figures showed that over a five-year period, electric trucks represented a considerably more cost-effective option.
Our range of electric CBs are available with different battery capacities and lift capacity up to 8t. Since the trucks are battery driven they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage.
Initially, Burton introduced new electric trucks at two of its depots in the south of England. Such has been the success of these models that the company is now in the process of rolling out electric counterbalance machines at all UK facilities.
Depending on each depot’s size and workload, between two and five machines are in operation - although every model supplied will have the same specification to allow equipment to be transferred between Burton’s facilities if required.
The model specified is the Traigo80. This 4-wheel counterbalance truck offers a nominal 3000kg lift capacity and is designed for heavy-duty applications. The Traigo80 delivers long operating times in indoor operations such as pallet racking or outdoors in a yard – an important consideration for Burton who work the trucks for extensive periods.
The world as a whole has changed and is now more aware of all facets of sustainability, with many now commonplace practices throughout society with a greater understanding across all spectrums.
Jordan Edge adds: “The trucks are having a very positive impact on our business. They work externally for long periods of the day and have proved equally as effective as our old diesel trucks – even in extreme weather conditions. And, because they are slightly smaller than the diesel trucks they have replaced, the new Toyota electrics have an advantage when working within confined spaces. The switch from diesel to electric has allowed us to reduce our operating costs and has helped to make our business more green.”