As businesses shift toward cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective solutions, the electric forklift truck has become a staple in Singapore’s warehouses. Whether you’re upgrading from diesel models or setting up a new facility, selecting the right electric forklift requires careful consideration.
Here are the top 7 factors that should guide your decision:
1. Load Capacity and Lifting Height
Start with the basics: how much weight do you need to lift, and how high? Electric forklift trucks come with varying load capacities, typically in the range of 1-3 tonnes, and maximum lift heights ranging from 3 metres to over 6 metres. Underspecifying this can lead to equipment strain and frequent maintenance, while overspecifying increases costs unnecessarily.
Tip: Factor in not just average loads but the heaviest pallets your warehouse will handle, including occasional overcapacity tasks.
2. Battery Type and Runtime
Battery technology directly affects uptime and charging logistics. Most electric forklifts today use either lead-acid batteries (cheaper, proven, but slower to charge) or lithium-ion batteries (fast charging, longer life, but higher initial cost). In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, lithium-ion’s sealed nature also reduces maintenance.
Consider: How many shifts are run per day, and whether mid-shift opportunity charging is feasible for your team.
3. Warehouse Layout and Manoeuvrability
Tight aisles? Low ceilings? If your warehouse has narrow racking systems or limited space, three-wheel electric forklifts or reach trucks may be more appropriate. They offer superior turning radii and are built for precision in constrained spaces.
Measure your operating environment before selecting a model—and simulate a turning test if possible to avoid future gridlocks.
4. Terrain and Tyre Requirements
Most indoor warehouses in Singapore have smooth concrete floors, making cushion tyres the common choice. However, if your forklift will occasionally operate on ramps, loading bays, or semi-rough surfaces, pneumatic tyres or hybrid options will offer better shock absorption and grip.
Pro tip: Don’t ignore small slopes or uneven flooring—they can significantly impact load safety and operator control.
5. Ergonomics and Operator Comfort
Fatigue reduces productivity—and safety. Forklifts with ergonomic controls, adjustable seats, clear sightlines, and vibration-reduction features can enhance operator performance. If multiple operators will be using the truck across shifts, choose models that allow quick seat and control adjustment.
Look for: Spacious cabins, well-placed pedals, anti-slip steps, and digital display panels with real-time diagnostics.
6. Safety Features and Compliance
With strict workplace safety regulations in Singapore, your forklift should come with standard features such as:
- Reverse alarms and blue spotlights
- Speed limiters
- Stability control systems
- Automatic parking brakes
These aren’t just compliance items—they’re proactive investments in worker safety and operational continuity.
7. After-Sales Support and Local Availability
A forklift is only as good as the service network behind it. Downtime can be costly, so prioritise suppliers who offer:
- Local spare part availability
- Quick-response maintenance teams
- Onsite inspection and training
- Battery servicing capabilities
Tysen Technologies works with Singapore’s leading warehousing and logistics firms to supply, install, and maintain electric forklift trucks backed by robust after-sales support. Our team ensures that your forklift not only meets your load specs but remains reliable and safe throughout its lifecycle.
Tysen Technologies: Uplifting Productivity with Smarter Solutions
As Singapore advances its green initiatives, switching to electric forklifts also reflects your business’s commitment to sustainability. They emit no exhaust, operate with less noise, and consume less energy over time compared to internal combustion models, particularly important for indoor air quality and temperature control.
From heavy-duty forklifts to compact warehouse trucks, Tysen Technologies provides a complete range of electric forklift trucks among our solutions tailored to Singapore’s industrial needs. Our expertise spans logistics hubs, retail distribution centres, and precision manufacturing environments.
Whether you’re planning a new fleet or replacing ageing units, we’ll help you make a data-driven, future-ready investment.
