For decades, diesel forklifts dominated industries that demanded continuous, high-intensity performance such as logistics hubs, food distribution, manufacturing, and cold storage. “Electric forklifts are great,” many would say, “but they’re not built for heavy-duty work.”
That misconception is finally being put to rest.
At Clearlift Material Handling, we’ve seen first-hand how lithium-ion powered forklifts are redefining what’s possible in demanding operations across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Together with EP Equipment, we’re proving that modern electric technology doesn’t just match diesel performance, it can outperform it.
From 24/7 warehouse operations to heavy lifting in large distribution centres, lithium-ion technology now powers some of the most efficient heavy-duty forklift solutions in Europe.
The Shift Toward Lithium-Ion Power
During the EP Equipment Global Dealer Event, industry experts and leading partners shared their real-world experiences using lithium forklifts in heavy-duty applications, some with more than 6,000 working hours per year.
Among them was Jonathan Savage, Managing Director of Clearlift Material Handling, representing Ireland’s largest supplier of EP Equipment. Speaking alongside Bennit Schmieder, Arjan Van Zanten, and David Dadd (Armill Lift Trucks, UK), the discussion revealed how businesses like PalletXpress, Aldi, and the Woodland Group are now running full lithium-ion fleets in round-the-clock operations.
Their message was clear:
“Heavy-duty doesn’t mean diesel anymore.”
Breaking the Myth: Electric Forklifts for Heavy-Duty Use
In the material handling world, “heavy-duty forklift” has traditionally meant diesel that were powerful, durable, and capable of working long hours. Electric models were often dismissed as lightweight or unsuitable for high-frequency, 24-hour use.
But lithium-ion technology has changed everything.
Modern heavy-duty electric forklifts from EP Equipment deliver the same lifting performance, endurance, and reliability as diesel, without the emissions, maintenance, or downtime.
EP’s lithium forklifts such as the EP CPD20TVL, CPD25L2, and X5 Series are designed for continuous, high-demand operations, with features that make them ideal for logistics and industrial sectors across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
👉 Explore our Electric Forklift Range
Real-World Success Stories: Heavy-Duty Lithium Forklifts in Action
PalletXpress – Ireland’s 24/7 Logistics Hub
When Clearlift Material Handling introduced lithium-ion forklifts to PalletXpress, they were initially skeptical. The company, which had relied on diesel for years, questioned whether electric power could withstand their demanding 24-hour logistics environment.
To prove the point, Jonathan Savage demonstrated the power of an EP lithium forklift by lifting 3.5 tonnes on a 3-tonne-rated truck up a steep ramp without hesitation.
That test sealed the deal.
Today, PalletXpress operates over 30 electric forklifts, each running 1,700–2,000 hours annually, all powered by EP’s lithium-ion technology.
The result?
✅ Lower operating costs
✅ Zero emissions
✅ Reduced maintenance
✅ Consistent performance shift after shift
Woodland Group – 24-Hour Heavy-Duty Performance
In the UK, Armill Lift Trucks deployed lithium forklifts for the Woodland Group, a logistics giant operating massive 24/7 distribution facilities.
Their trucks now run up to 6,000 hours per year, proving that electric forklifts are fully capable of round-the-clock, high-load operations.
The Woodland team initially made a commitment to phase out diesel entirely and today, their Coventry and Doncaster sites operate 100% electric, demonstrating how scalable lithium technology can be.
As Arjan Van Zanten of EP Equipment highlighted:
“If you design your operation around lead-acid, you’re stuck. With lithium-ion power, it’s scalable and flexible, you can grow without limits.”
Aldi – Sustainable, Scalable, Smart
At the Aldi Distribution Centre, lithium forklifts replaced diesel models as part of the retailer’s push to reduce its carbon footprint.
Starting with pallet trucks, the team quickly recognised the performance and convenience of EP’s lithium range. Soon, they transitioned to electric forklifts as well thus cutting costs, noise, and emissions while maintaining the same operational output.
Their feedback?
“Performance, efficiency and service, everything just works.”
Why Lithium-Ion Works for Heavy-Duty Applications
1️⃣ Long Working Hours
Lithium-ion forklifts can easily handle multi-shift, 24-hour operations thanks to opportunity charging. Batteries can be topped up during breaks meaning no battery swaps or cooling periods required.
2️⃣ Consistent Power Output
Unlike lead-acid, lithium-ion batteries deliver full power throughout the entire discharge cycle. There’s no sluggishness at the end of a shift, just consistent, reliable performance.
3️⃣ Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Reduced maintenance, zero emissions, and high charging efficiency translate into significant savings over time.
4️⃣ Built for Heavy Lifting
EP’s lithium forklifts are designed for high torque and high capacity, allowing them to lift heavy loads continuously without overheating or performance loss.
5️⃣ Cleaner, Safer Operations
No fuel storage, no exhaust fumes and no battery acid, instead just clean, efficient operation. Ideal for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and logistics environments.
How Clearlift Material Handling Delivers Heavy-Duty Forklift Solutions
At Clearlift Material Handling, we specialise in supplying lithium-ion powered heavy-duty forklifts that deliver durability, efficiency, and sustainability without compromise.
Whether you’re running a transport hub in Belfast, a distribution centre in Dublin, or a manufacturing site in Limerick, we’ll help you find the right solution for your operation.
Our heavy-duty forklift range includes:
- 3–5 tonne electric counterbalance forklifts for high-intensity loading
- Rough terrain and yard forklifts for outdoor handling
- Automation-ready pallet movers for 24/7 logistics operations
We also provide flexible hire and rental options, with ongoing support and maintenance from our expert service teams across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
👉 Explore Forklift Hire Options
The Future of Heavy-Duty Material Handling
The future of heavy-duty operations isn’t diesel, it’s electric, efficient, and sustainable.
Businesses adopting lithium-ion heavy-duty forklift solutions aren’t just cutting emissions; they’re future-proofing their operations against rising fuel costs, carbon taxes, and equipment downtime.
And as real-world examples like PalletXpress, Woodland Group, and Aldi have shown; performance, reliability, and scalability are no longer diesel’s exclusive territory.
Final Thoughts
For years, “heavy-duty” meant diesel. But today, lithium-ion forklifts from EP Equipment, delivered and supported by Clearlift Material Handling are proving that sustainable technology can handle the heaviest workloads across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
✅ 24-hour operation
✅ 6,000+ working hours annually
✅ Lower costs and zero emissions
That’s what the next generation of heavy-duty forklift solutions looks like.
Clearlift Material Handling, powering Ireland and Northern Ireland’s toughest operations with the strongest, cleanest, and smartest forklifts on the market.
