Big Joe Forklifts has released two new lithium forklifts.

The LXE50 Spartan is a 5,000 lb. (225 kg) capacity cushion-tyred model that shares the same design attributes as an internal combustion truck of the same capacity.

With a 3,500 lb. (1,500 kg) capacity, the new Sprint is a three-wheel forklift with a single-phase 120 v AC onboard charger that can be upgraded to 240 v.

Both forklifts feature 80 v AC drive systems powered by a 230 ah or 460 ah UL-recognised lithium battery that is manufactured in-house, with an operating cost saving by over 50%.

The batteries can also be charged at a rate of up to 12% every 15 minutes.

“We designed the new Spartan and Sprint to be lithium forklifts from the ground up to help companies transition and take full advantage of the promise of lithium technology,” says Big Joe chief marketing officer Bill Pedriana.

“Running internal combustion forklifts and paying high fuel and maintenance costs just makes very little sense with options like this now on the market.

“These new machines are less expensive to operate, they can charge fast enough to keep up with just about any use case, and you lose virtually nothing in comfort or performance,” adds Pedriana. “Not to mention the fact that you no longer have to breathe in fumes all day.”

Additional features on both include a full light and turn signal package, dual drive motors for tight turning performance, comfortable ergonomic seating and controls and Bluetooth service connectivity through a digital display on the Spartan.

Available options include non-marking tyres, blue light, a variety of form and mast sizes and fourth function hydraulics to support special attachments.