To date, industry does not recognize high capacity electric forklifts as available for loading shipping containers. The forklift design for this operation must have a lowered height that is sufficient for accessing the lower height of containers, must not exceed the ground bearing pressure limitations of the floor of the container, and must have sufficient capacity to move the material required. Historically, this has created a major obstacle for forklift manufactures to overcome, and even more so for the industries they serve.

The challenges continue as it relates to the safety and well-being of the operators, who repeatedly maneuver their forklifts in and out of these confined spaces while being exposed to toxicants from carbon emitting engines. With standard internal combustion forklifts, operators are also exposed to intensified sound and vibration, leading to fatigue, and an unsafe work environment.

CARER has manufactured only electric forklifts since 1976. When considering solutions for the container loading industry, CARER was aware of the challenges faced by those industries having to load and unload containers. It was with this in mind, CARER proceeded to develop and launch their K series forklift chassis, specifically for high lift capacity container loading.

The K series, ranging from 9,000lbs to 26,000lbs capacity, were purposely designed to handle almost any type of product being loaded into and out of containers. By modifying the height of their infamous R, F and K series to fit within the dimensions of a standard shipping container, CARER was able to address not only the concern of space restrictions, but also of capacity, weight distribution, visibility, and run time, all while keeping operators safe.

In addition, the KR50 SHORT (11,000lbs) and KR55 SHORT (13,500lbs) series is also a short turning radius (boxcar) type chassis configuration, designed for applications where both container loading and rail car loading are required. We see this requirement often in the cellulose, lumber, hay processing, and steel coil industries.

When pairing the CARER K series forklift with our lithium battery solutions, operations can operate 24 hours per day without the need for spare batteries, or ongoing battery maintenance, while supporting very high hours of operation per day.

Key benefits with the CARER electric forklifts in your facility, over the standard internal combustion truck include:

• Lower overall cost of ownership.
• Long work autonomy, using lithium technology.
• High performance and unmatched efficiency, because of the high volt operating systems.
• Excellent visibility thanks to the ergonomically designed drive position, and optional rearview camaras.
• Maximum residual capacities.

These characteristics along with its small footprint, and low overhead guard, make these trucks suitable for any environment, but excel in those applications that are space restricted.

The turning radius, which is one of the best in its category, is another important hallmark. Regardless of the size and capacity of the K series forklift in question, the short turning radius gives the advantage of needing less space, without compromising capacity.

The electric motors in Carer's container series, are designed to allow for high performance and acceleration levels. The electronic system gives the AC Motors, the power needed to perform high travel and lifting speed, while delivering on acceleration, and unmatched maneuverability.

To increase the autonomy of work, the container series is designed with an 80 volt, 96 volt or 120 volt operating system. When paired with the available lithium battery system, the truck provides exceptionally long operating time, very quick recharging time, and is excellent for applications that use clamp attachments, that otherwise consume significantly more energy. The lithium battery provides consistent voltage output, providing stable power to the electronics of the forklift, and ensuring a long, reliable operating life.

Thanks to the specific characteristics of the K series trucks, the loads no longer need to be "pushed" or "dragged" inside the container. This reduces the amount of potential damage, reducing loss and expense, and increases efficiency and productivity.

The greatest increase in efficientcy and reduction in expence however, is in the overall operation. The CARER container series, represents substantial cost savings, and typically a 12 to 24 month return on investment (ROI). The financial justification for the premium on capital acquisition, is an easy decision for most financial directors. However, the cost considerations of an internal combustion truck to electric conversion, typically only consider energy consumption (fuel) savings. In reality, a more realistic ROI would incorporate the following:

Total current monthly operating cost analysis (for diesel forklifts) includes:

• Capital costs (extended operating life, lower depreciation, and internal cost of funds)
• Reduced repairs and maintenance costs
• Intangible costs (emergency rentals, freight, down time, administration, etc.)
• Energy (diesel/LP) consumption cost (today and forecasted future costs)
• Costs associated with unproductive labor (fuel tank refilling)
• Tire replacement

In short, for industries who need to load and unload shipping containers, eliminating obstacles, and eliminating additional expenses is key. At Carer, developing new and innovative solution is what we do, and the CARER container series is a perfect example.

The CARER container series includes the following:

	KR55H2-Short. The 12,000lb KR55-SHORT is an excellent example of a specialty model designed from the factory's SPED department. The KR55-SHORT is a leading solution for material handling within containers and railcars. With its smaller footprint, it can navigate in tight spaces while maintaining a high lift capacity.
	KR45-80H2 series including: capacity ranging from 9,900lbs up to 17,500lbs with an 80-volt chassis configuration and all-weather cabin options. This Carer KR series range is great for manufacturing and process facilities including freight loading and container loading.
	KF60-100HD2 series including: capacity ranging from 13,500lbs to 22,000lbs with a 96-volt chassis configuration, high-performance dual drive motors, and a short turning radius 180-degree steer axle. The Carer KFHD2 series is excellent for performance and energy demanding a high daily utilization.
	K100-120 series including: capacity ranging from 22,000lbs to 24,000lbs with a 96-volt chassis configuration for high-efficiency operation. Very low chassis and mast design of 88" for operation in environments with limited height access including shipping containers, mining, heavy industrial, and port terminal operations. All-weather cabin options available.
	A160X series: Capacity of 36,000lbslbs at a 48-inch load center, excellent high lift capacity, a 144-volt operating system for high-efficiency energy consumption and long operating time. High-performance dual drive motors, elevated seating position, large diameter super elastic tires, and all-weather cabin options. This series is a great fit for steel, lumber, port terminals and multi-pallet handling applications.

Carer electric forklifts has the right machine for any heavy-duty application in the most aggressive operating environments. Please contact Carer Electric Forklift Solutions at 1-844-332-2737 for information on how Carer can support the integration of industrial electric forklifts into your facility.