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Worried About Global Warming? Electric Forklifts a Step in The Right Direction

Aimee Quemuel

In early October, the news was full of reports from the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which released a dire 728-page document that warned against global temperature rises. According to the report, even the world’s agreed-upon single degree Celsius increase in global temperature will change the Earth as we know it. Instead, the report urged world leaders to take greater action in an attempt to limit the increase to just .5 degree Celsius, which would maintain ecosystems similar to those that currently exist.

The report is gloomy, without a doubt, as the panel expressed both concern that the world’s countries would not be able to limit the increase but also optimism that it could be done with drastic changes. Frustratingly, scientists refused to comment on the feasibility of these changes actually happening.

The Carbon Culprit

An undeniable factor in the global rise in temperature is the effect carbon dioxide has and continues to have. In order to effectively limit temperature increases, the world needs to adopt new energy systems and solutions, rethink land-use, and adopt new transportation options, among others. Specifically, actions that reduce the amount of carbon being emitted into the atmosphere are expected to have the most effect. Low or Zero-emission power generation, electric transportation, green infrastructure, and improved energy efficiency can all drive this change. A movement away from fossil fuels and towards renewables would not only reduce carbon levels, but could also clear the air of other pollutants.

What Can Businesses Do?

Although the report is intended for world leaders, that doesn’t mean individuals and businesses are helpless. As with so many areas of change and innovation in the past, it may come down to consumers, business, and industry to drive the necessary changes. The best way to do that is to shop with global warming in mind. Choose products that are produced close to home and don’t require long-distance shipping and transport. Choose high-efficiency products when possible. Purchase items that don’t emit greenhouse gases and support clean energy development.

Electric Forklifts to The Rescue 

At XL Lifts, we are extremely proud to carry small and large capacity electric forklifts. Electric forklifts are one example of how businesses have the power to drive change and innovation. Our customers had asked for gas-alternative forklifts and we were happy to deliver. Electric forklifts produce no emissions and do not require gasoline. Low-maintenance lithium batteries last longer and are safer for the environment, and still provide electric lifts with the power necessary to get the job done.

We carry the large capacity Wiggins Yard eBull electric forklift which has capacity from 30,000 to 88,000 lbs. Our smaller capacity electric forklifts by World range from 3,000 to 25,000 lbs.

XL Lifts is the first to offer large capacity electric forklifts to the industrial sector and we’re glad we did! While switching to electric forklifts isn’t enough to save the planet, it’s a step in the right direction and can help companies reduce their carbon footprint, save money, and set a good example by influencing others. We believe that consumer demand can drive change by influencing both political and economic policies and business manufacturing decisions. At this point in the game, every person on the planet has a vested interest in limiting global temperature rise. Going green isn’t just good PR anymore, it’s become increasingly vital to everyone’s survival. Every little bit helps. Put your purchasing power to work; retire your old, polluting forklifts and replace them with greener, more efficient electric forklifts from XL Lifts.

Contact us at 1.805.889.8487 to learn more about electric forklifts and how they can help you green your business.

 

Forklifts Specialist

First High-Capacity Lithium Electric Marina Forklift Now Available Through XL Lifts / Wiggins Lift / Taylor Machine Works

Aimee Quemuel

First High-Capacity Lithium Electric Marina Forklift Now Available Through XL Lifts / Wiggins Lift / Taylor Machine Works

November 7, 2018 — Ventura, CA — XL Lifts, specializing in zero and low emissions forklifts, today announced it is partnering with Wiggins Lift Company to distribute the Wiggins Marina eBull, West of the Mississippi River (excluding Texas) and in the Great Lakes region. Taylor Machine Works will continue to distribute Wiggins marina products in all other regions. The Wiggins Marina eBull is the first commercialized lithium battery, large capacity, zero-emissions marina forklift, and further positions Wiggins as a leading provider of low and zero-emission forklifts. The news comes just one month after Wiggins and XL Lifts announced the availability of the Wiggins Yard eBull for port and terminal operators, and manufacturers, logistics, warehousing, industrial and construction companies.

The Wiggins Marina eBull offers a large range of capacities to meet varying boat handling needs, and is built with the same attention to detail, reliability and quality that Wiggins is known for. Featuring innovative, fast charging lithium ion battery technology, the Wiggins Marina eBull can be quickly charged so it can run continuous shifts.

Wiggins’ Director of Sales Micah McDowell commented, “We are excited to work with our dealer XL Lifts to help make the next generation of green marinas a reality. Marinas no longer need to choose between high-performance and energy-efficient forklifts; they can now have both with the new Wiggins Marina eBull.”

“Wiggins is once again leading the charge in marina forklift innovation. The new Marina eBull will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sound pollution, while providing marinas and boatyards with the horsepower required to run their operations,” said Mike Marzahl, president of XL Lifts. “With the introduction of the Wiggins Marina eBull, XL Lifts now has a full range of electric forklifts to meet our marina and boatyard client’s needs.”

Key benefits of the new Wiggins Marina eBull include:

  • Zero Emissions: The eBull is designed to meet even the most stringent clean air and noise reduction mandates, such as those required in California. Zero emissions means it can be safely used inside buildings without fumes, soot or noise.
  • No Significant Downtime: The eBull uses advanced quick-charge battery technology for continuous use.
  • Innovative High Voltage Lithium Ion Battery Design:  The battery packs are designed from the ground up for commercial vehicle applications. Focused on reliability, durability, serviceability and safety, the battery packs are rigorously tested for industrial environments.
  • Safety: Reverse backup camera, daylight strobes, optional conventional backup alarm and modern white noise generator to alert nearby pedestrians are just a few of the features to keep both operators and pedestrians safe.
  • Minimal Maintenance: Five-year life, non-toxic coolant; and long-life all-weather hydraulic fluid make maintenance a snap. Change the air filters on the battery cooling system once a year.
  • AutoLube:  Minimizes downtime by automatically lubricating key components — mast and carriage bearings, tilt cylinders, steer axle bearings — to ensure smooth operation while saving money.
  • Handling:  With the lowest center of gravity and the highest tip factor in the industry, Wiggins has set the standard for safety and handling.
  • Operator Comfort:  A dramatically lower operator console and an AirRide seat significantly improves operator convenience and comfort.
  • Easy Service Access:  The innovative tilt-cab design of the operator console and engine compartment allows easy access at eye level to the entire powertrain when servicing is needed.
  • Enhanced Visibility:  With the lowest counter-weight in the industry, rear visibility is dramatically improved, increasing customer and employee safety while protecting other property from damage.
  • Wiggins Information Center:  The new state of the art IQAN™ System with its adjustable monitor keeps the operator informed about forklift performance and status.
  • Corrosion Protection:  We know your work environment can be tough on equipment. That’s why the Wiggins Marina eBull is built using the latest materials to keep your lift running while extending the life of the equipment, including a stainless steel-coated steer column and critical-area components, as well as zinc-based coatings to prevent rust and corrosion on the mast and chassis.

Availability of Wiggins Marina eBull

The new Wiggins Marina eBull is available now. Marinas and boatyards interested in reducing their forklift carbon footprint and total cost of ownership should contact XL Lifts for more information. 

About XL Lifts

XL Lifts specializes in zero and low emissions forklifts. XL Lifts also provides consulting, new and used ­forklifts and other equipment, parts, and maintenance software to some of the biggest marinas, industrial ports and manufacturers worldwide such as SSA Marine at the Port of Stockton, Federal Marine Terminals, Ports America and Marine Group Boatworks. XL Lifts’ line includes diesels, rough terrains, LPG/dual fuel, lithium and lead acid electric, and marina forklifts. More information about XL Lifts can be found at www.xlliftsinc.com.

Media Contact:

Aimee L. Quemuel
Codey Communications
(415) 753-9005
aimee@codeycommunications.com

lithium forklift

5 Reasons to Give Lithium Forklift Batteries a Second Look

Aimee Quemuel

Lithium forklift batteries are quickly making inroads with forklift manufacturers and buyers alike. While lead acid batteries have long been the industry standard for electric forklifts, the lithium ion battery is rising in popularity due to the many benefits of these batteries. This does not mean that lead acid batteries are obsolete. Smaller operations with minimum forklift needs are still better off with a lead acid forklift. But if you are a larger operation that requires daily use of forklifts, you may want to consider a next generation lithium battery electric forklift.

5 Benefits Of Lithium Forklift Batteries

  1. Cost-savings. At first glance, lithium forklift batteries are more expensive than lead acid batteries, but that’s only part of the story. Lithium batteries last 2-3 times longer than lead acid Research show that they typically last up to 10 years.  This results in long-term cost savings and lower total lifetime cost. In addition, lithium has minimal maintenance, only requiring servicing at most once a year.
  2. Time-Savings. Lithium batteries not only charge faster than lead acid batteries, they store about 3x as much energy. Forklift operators save time and money through these reduced charging demands as well as less frequent battery change-outs and lead acid maintenance demands like watering, cleaning, and equalizing.
  3. Reliability. Lithium forklift batteries work differently than lead acid batteries. They provide consistent voltage outputs, even as they run down in charge. That means your forklift won’t slow down even as the battery approaches full discharge. Speaking of full discharge, lithium batteries can recharge in about an hour compared to the 8 hours needed to recharge a lead acid battery.
  4. Improved Safety. The hydrogen fumes and acid splash are a major health and safety concern when maintaining lead acid batteries. Since lithium batteries don’t require this same type of maintenance or contain lead or acid, the health and safety hazards associated with forklift batteries are reduced.
  5. Warranty Benefits. Lithium batteries are practically maintenance-free and are covered by much longer warranties than lead acid batteries. Even when a lead acid battery has warranty coverage, the battery must be maintained in strict compliance with the manufacturer specs in order to secure warranty protections.

The speed and productivity of forklifts is vital to efficient materials handling. How much time and money could you save by switching to a lithium forklift? Contact XL Lifts to find out. We specialize in delivering efficient lithium forklift solutions from 3,000 to 70,000 capacity to marinas, industrial ports, agriculture companies and manufacturers worldwide.

Call our sales team at 1.805.889.8487 to learn more about our lithium forklifts.

 

Large capacity electric forklifts

SSA Marine Teams with XL Lifts and Wiggins Lift to Launch its Large Capacity Electric Forklift Initiative

Aimee Quemuel

October 1, 2018 — Ventura, CA — XL Lifts, specializing in zero and low emissions forklifts and a Wiggins Lift dealer, today announced it is working with SSA Marine to launch a 36,000 lb. capacity zero-emissions electric forklift suitable for marine terminal and rail yard operations. SSA Pacific, a subsidiary of SSA Marine, has committed to deploying the newly announced Wiggins Yard eBull for its operations at The Port of Stockton facility.

Featuring a quick charge lithium battery, the innovative Wiggins Yard eBull offers high-performance and energy efficiency, features never possible in a large capacity forklift. The effort is part of the company’s mission to explore, evaluate and recommend energy transformation alternatives to reduce greenhouse gas emission and differentiate the ports and communities that SSA Marine serves.

“We are constantly evaluating our operations for opportunities to reduce emissions and we knew this technology was something that our team needed to be a part of,” said Joe Carrillo, SSA Pacific Regional Vice President of Northern California. “We started by deploying two 33,000 lb. Tier 4 final forklifts (highest emission standard in California currently for heavy duty equipment), which was a step in the right direction, but we wanted to do more.”

SSA Marine’s large capacity zero-emissions forklift initiative was solidified at last year’s Breakbulk Americas conference, where President of XL Lifts Mike Marzahl and SSA Pacific Regional Vice President of Northern California Joe Carrillo met over dinner. The idea was then brought to Wiggin’s Lift Company, who was able to bring the concept to fruition in less than a year. The company just announced its first commercialized, lithium battery large capacity forklift. Powered by Thor Trucks, the same innovators being used for UPS’ fleet of electric trucks, the new Wiggins electric forklifts are able to run continuously, without significant downtime.

“Wiggins has a history of innovative firsts, and the new Wiggins Yard eBull is another example of why Wiggins is the leading provider of forklifts for marinas and will soon be in the industrial sector as well,” said Mike Marzahl, president of XL Lifts (a Wiggins dealer). “I am thrilled to be a part of the SSA Pacific green forklift initiative and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them.”

The Wiggins Yard eBull is available now and will be showcased for the first time at the Breakbulk Americas Conference October 1-4, 2018 in Houston, TX, booth #1349. XL Lifts also works with companies to secure forklift grants to significantly reduce the cost of this modern technology. Contact XL Lifts for more information.

About XL Lifts
A family-owned business, XL Lifts specializes in zero and low emissions forklifts. XL Lifts also provides consulting, new and used forklifts and other equipment, parts, and maintenance software to some of the biggest marinas, industrial ports and manufacturers worldwide such as SSA Marine at the Port of Stockton, Federal Marine Terminals, Ports America and Marine Group Boatworks. XL Lifts’ forklift line includes diesels, rough terrains, LPG/dual fuel, electric and marina forklifts. More information about XL Lifts can be found at www.xlliftsinc.com.

About SSA Marine
With marine terminal and rail yard operations in more than 250 strategic locations around the world, SSA Marine is unmatched in skill, experience and productivity. We believe in making intentional investments in our people, places and practices that optimize customer service and efficiency at every handling point. It begins with our greatest assets: our employees. We provide proprietary training that raises job proficiency and fosters creative thinking. In turn, customers reap the benefits of a tenured, highly productive workforce that delivers shorter turn times, responsive service, and the confidence that cargo is being handled with the greatest care and efficiency. We continually strive to improve and expand our operations – developing new marine, rail and ancillary services, as well as advancing technical innovations to streamline vessel throughput and reduce time in port.

By expanding our reach and capacity, modernizing our processes, and developing our employees, we drive prosperity for our customers around the world. SSA Marine can be found at www.ssamarine.com/.

Media Contact:
Aimee L. Quemuel
Codey Communications
(415) 753-9005
aimee@codeycommunications.com

Large Capacity Electric Forklift

First US Manufactured High-Capacity Lithium Electric Forklift Now Available Through XL Lifts / Wiggins Lift

Aimee Quemuel

First US Manufactured High-Capacity Lithium Electric Forklift Now Available Through XL Lifts / Wiggins Lift

September 24, 2018 — Ventura, CA — XL Lifts, specializing in zero and low emissions forklifts, today announced it is partnering with Wiggins Lift Company to distribute the Wiggins Yard eBull.  The Wiggins Yard eBull is the first commercialized large capacity, zero-emissions forklift manufactured exclusively in the United States.

With capacity from 30,000 to 70,000 lbs., the Wiggins Yard eBull is good for the environment, yet can still meet the heavy duty needs of industrial companies. Featuring innovative, fast charging lithium ion battery technology from Thor Trucks, the same company selected by UPS to power a portion of its fleet of electric delivery trucks, the eBull can be quickly charged so it can run continuous shifts.

Wiggins’ Director of Sales Micah McDowell commented, “We are excited to work with our dealer XL Lifts to bring this exciting innovation to market. With the Yard eBull, companies no longer need to choose between high-performance and energy-efficiency.”

“Wiggins Lift Company is revolutionizing the high-capacity, electric forklift industry and I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting movement,” said Mike Marzahl, president of XL Lifts. “The first of its kind, the Wiggins Yard eBull will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sound pollution, while enabling industrial companies to do their jobs.”

“Forklifts are one of the many practical applications of fully-electric powertrains,” said Giordano Sordoni, COO of Thor Trucks. “The vehicles stay close to their home base and have access to industrial power, plus the noise reduction and increased efficiency will benefit industrial yards tremendously.”

Key benefits of the new Wiggins Yard eBull include:

  • Zero Emissions: The eBull is designed to meet even the most stringent clean air and noise reduction mandates, such as those required in California. Zero emissions means it can be safely used inside buildings and ships without fumes, soot or noise.
  • No Significant Downtime: The eBull uses advanced quick-charge battery technology for continuous use.
  • Innovative High Voltage Lithium Ion Battery Design:  The battery packs are designed from the ground up by Thor Trucks for commercial vehicle applications. Focused on reliability, durability, serviceability and safety, the battery packs are rigorously tested for industrial environments.
  • Safety: Reverse backup camera, daylight strobes, optional conventional backup alarm and modern white noise generator to alert nearby pedestrians are just a few of the features to keep both operators and pedestrians safe.
  • Minimal Maintenance: Five-year life, non-toxic coolant; and long-life all-weather hydraulic fluid make maintenance a snap. Change the air filters on the battery cooling system once a year.
  • AutoLube:  Minimizes downtime by automatically lubricating key components—mast and carriage bearings, tilt cylinders, steer axle bearings—to ensure smooth operation while saving money.
  • Handling:  With the lowest center of gravity and the highest tip factor in the industry, Wiggins has set the standard for safety and handling.
  • Operator Comfort:  A dramatically lower operator console and an AirRide seat significantly improves operator convenience and comfort.
  • Easy Service Access:  The innovative tilt-cab design of the operator console and engine compartment allows easy access at eye level to the entire powertrain when servicing is needed.
  • Enhanced Visibility:  With the lowest counter-weight in the industry, rear visibility is dramatically improved, increasing customer and employee safety while protecting other property from damage.
  • Wiggins Information Center:  The new state of the art IQAN™ System with its adjustable monitor keeps the operator informed about forklift performance and status.
  • Corrosion Protection:  We know your work environment can be tough on equipment. That’s why the Wiggins Yard eBull is built using the latest materials to keep your lift running while extending the life of the equipment, including a stainless steel-coated steer column and critical-area components, as well as zinc-based coatings to prevent rust and corrosion on the mast and chassis.

Availability
The new Wiggins Yard eBull is available now and will be showcased for the first time at the Breakbulk Americas Conference October 1-4, 2018 in Houston, TX, booth #1349. Port and terminal operations interested in reducing their carbon footprint and total cost of ownership can visit Wiggins/XL Lifts at Breakbulk Americas 2018 in Houston Texas on October 2-4, 2018, booth #1349. Experts will be available to answer questions and discuss solutions, including how companies can attain grants to significantly reduce the cost of this new technology. Contact XL Lifts for more information.

About XL Lifts
XL Lifts specializes in zero and low emissions forklifts. XL Lifts also provides consulting, new and used forklifts and other equipment, parts, and maintenance software to some of the biggest marinas, industrial ports and manufacturers worldwide such as SSA Marine at the Port of Stockton, Federal Marine Terminals, Ports America and Marine Group Boatworks. XL Lifts’ line includes diesels, rough terrains, LPG/dual fuel, electric and marina forklifts. More information about XL Lifts can be found at www.xlliftsinc.com.

Media Contact:
Aimee L. Quemuel
Codey Communications
(415) 753-9005
aimee@codeycommunications.com

large capactiy electric forklift

Zero Emissions Forklifts Now Here

Aimee Quemuel

Zero emissions forklifts are here and XL Lifts is proud to be one of the first to offer them to the industrial sector.  Today, we announced that XL Lifts will distribute the Wiggins Yard eBull, the industry’s first commercialized large capacity, zero emissions forklifts manufactured exclusively in the United States. The full release can be viewed here.

The Wiggins Yard eBull has capacity from 30,000 to 70,000 lbs., which means it can still meet the heavy duty needs of industrial companies and is good for the environment. The new zero emissions forklifts use fast charging lithium ion batteries from Thor Trucks, making them the first high-capacity zero emissions forklifts to run continuous shifts. Thor Trucks was recently selected by UPS to power a portion of its fleet of electric delivery trucks.

The new zero emissions forklifts are available now and will be showcased for the first time at the Breakbulk Americas Conference October 1-4, 2018 in Houston, TX, booth #1349. Port and terminal operations interested in reducing their carbon footprint and learning how to attain grants to significantly reduce the cost of zero emissions forklifts should contact XL Lifts for more information.

Some of the key benefits of the new zero emissions forklifts from Wiggins include:

  • Zero Emissions Forklift: The eBull is designed to meet even the most stringent clean air mandates, such as those required in California.
  • No Significant Downtime: The eBull will leverage advanced quick-charge battery technology for continuous use.
  • Innovative High Voltage Lithium Ion Battery Design:  The battery packs are designed from the ground up by Thor Trucks for commercial vehicle applications. The battery packs are rigorously tested for industrial environments in the areas of reliability, durability, serviceability and safety.
  • Safety: Reverse backup camera, daylight strobes, optional conventional backup alarm and modern white noise generator to alert nearby pedestrians are just a few of the features to keep both operators and pedestrians safe.
  • Minimal Maintenance: Five-year life, non-toxic coolant; and long-life all-weather hydraulic fluid make maintenance a snap. Change the air filters on the battery cooling system once a year.
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