Electric forklifts for builders merchants and construction
Lithium-ion EP forklifts that do diesel's job in the yard: lifting timber, blocks and bulk bags on rough ground, in all weathers, with no fumes in the shop or the store.
ROI 01 5267 411 · NI 028 3833 7038 · Depots in Navan and Portadown
- Replaces dieselPower for outdoor yards
- Cabs availableWork through Irish weather
- Up to 3.5t+Timber packs and pallets of blocks
- Hire from 12 monthsFully maintained
Yard work without the diesel
Builders merchants are some of the hardest-working forklift sites in Ireland: timber packs in and out of racks, pallets of blocks across a rough yard, bulk bags for customers' vans, and trips into the shop and stores in between. For years that meant diesel.
EP's lithium-ion counterbalance forklifts now do the same jobs on battery power. We've put them to work at builders merchants across Ireland, with pneumatic tyres for the yard, ground clearance for uneven surfaces, and cabs to keep drivers dry.
Why merchants are switching from diesel
These are the reasons merchants give us when they ask about replacing diesel.
Rough, wet yards
Potholes, gravel and ramps beat up small-wheeled warehouse trucks.
Our answer: Pneumatic tyres and good ground clearance, such as the EFL PRO and EFL X5 ranges.
Heavy, awkward loads
Long timber packs, blocks and bulk bags are heavy and wide.
Our answer: Lithium-ion forklifts from 2.5 to 3.8 tonnes, with heavy-duty models above that.
Fumes in the shop and stores
Diesel trucks driving into the store or showroom bring fumes in with them.
Our answer: Zero emissions, so the same truck works the yard and the shop floor.
Noise near homes
Many merchants sit in towns, beside housing, and start early.
Our answer: Electric trucks are far quieter, especially at 7am.
Fuel and service costs
Diesel, AdBlue, filters and DPF repairs add up.
Our answer: No fuel and far fewer service parts. Use our savings calculator.
Irish weather
Drivers spend all day outside in wind and rain.
Our answer: Full cabs with doors and heaters on many models. Ask us which.
Which EP machine for which yard job
Typical choices for builders merchants, timber yards and building sites.
| The job | EP machine | Why it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Timber packs in and out of outdoor racking | EP EFL35-PRO or EP EFL352X5 | 3.5 t lithium-ion with pneumatic tyres for the yard. Long forks or a sideshift for timber. |
| Pallets of blocks and bulk bags across the yard | EP EFL30-PRO or EP EFL303 | 3 t lithium-ion counterbalance trucks built on a diesel-style chassis. |
| Very heavy loads, steel and precast | High capacity forklifts | EP electric forklifts from 5 t up to 25 t. |
| Unloading lorries at the store door | EP EFL25-PRO | 2.5 t with IPX4 and pneumatic tyres, quick enough for busy delivery mornings. |
| Moving pallets inside the store and shop | EP F4 or EPL185 pallet truck | Light lithium pallet trucks for the shop floor and back store. |
| Tight stores and low doors | 3-wheel forklifts | Compact trucks with low overhead guards for tight sheds. |
Not sure? We'll visit your site for free, measure aisles, doors and loads, and recommend the right machines. Book a site survey
Does an electric forklift really do diesel's job?
That's the first question every merchant asks. The answer from the yards we supply is yes, provided the truck is specified properly: the right tyres, ground clearance and battery size for your yard and your hours.
Lithium-ion lets you top up at lunch, so most merchants run a full day on one charge. And there are no oil changes, filters or DPF problems.
- Same lift capacity as the diesel it replaces
- Pneumatic tyres and ground clearance for yards
- Top-up charging at lunch
- No fumes in the store or shop
- Lower running and service costs
EP forklifts at builders merchants across Ireland
Our lithium-ion forklifts are working at builders merchants and timber yards across the country. These photos are from recent deliveries.
★★★★★"We are impressed with the build quality of the new EP forklifts but also have been impressed throughout our relationship with Clearlift on their fast, professional and efficient service."
Polyfab Plastics, Cavan
Safety and inspections for yards
Merchant yards mix forklifts, customers and delivery lorries. Here's how we help keep it safe and legal.
Customers on foot
EP safety options such as blue spot and red zone lights, beacons and reversing alarms warn customers walking the yard.
Fumes in stores
Irish regulations restrict combustion-engined equipment indoors without safe ventilation (S.I. 299/2007, Reg. 37). An electric truck can go into the store with no fumes.
Republic of Ireland
Forklifts must have a thorough examination by a competent person at least every 12 months, or every 6 months if used to lift people, under the General Application Regulations 2007 (S.I. 299/2007, Schedule 1). Our engineers carry out and certify these GA1 examinations.
Northern Ireland
LOLER (NI) 1999 sets the same intervals: a thorough examination at least every 12 months, or every 6 months for equipment lifting people. Our Portadown engineers carry out LOLER examinations across all six counties.
Sources: S.I. 299/2007 Schedule 1 · LOLER (NI) 1999 · S.I. 299/2007 Reg. 37 · HSA forklift guidance
Buy or hire your yard forklift
Every option comes with servicing by our own engineers and genuine EP parts.
Buy new
Own the truck outright, with the EP warranty, delivery, commissioning and operator handover on site. In-stock machines with prices are on our offers page.
See this month's offers →Contract hire
A new EP machine for a fixed monthly payment, from 12 months, with servicing, repairs and thorough examinations included. A good way to try electric without committing to a purchase.
See contract hire →Buy used
Used EP trucks as they come in. Stock is small and changes often, so ask what's available.
See used forklifts →Builders merchant forklifts north and south
Most of Ireland's new building is happening in Dublin and the counties around it, including Meath and Louth, right on the doorstep of our Navan depot. Our Portadown depot serves merchants and contractors across Northern Ireland, where construction output is growing too.
With engineers based in Navan, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Mayo and Portadown, a breakdown at your yard gets a local response.
Clearlift Navan
Halltown, Dunderry, Co. Meath, C15 N8C4. Head office, hire fleet and our EP demo warehouse. Engineers based in Navan, Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Mayo.
Clearlift Portadown
Unit 3 Carn Drive, Carn Industrial Estate, Portadown, Co. Armagh, BT63 5WJ. Engineers covering all six counties, with quotes for NI customers in sterling.
Delivery, hire and mobile engineers in all 32 counties. See all locations
Builders merchant forklift questions
Can an electric forklift replace a diesel at a builders merchant?
Yes. EP lithium-ion counterbalance forklifts such as the EFL30-PRO and EFL35-PRO have pneumatic tyres, good ground clearance and the same capacities as the diesels they replace. They're working at builders merchants across Ireland now.
Will an electric forklift work in the rain?
Yes. EP outdoor forklifts are built for wet weather, and the PRO range has an IPX4 rating. Full cabs with doors are available on many models to keep drivers dry.
How long does the battery last in a busy yard?
Most merchants run a full working day on one charge, with a top-up at lunch. We size the battery to your hours and loads on the survey.
What capacity forklift do I need for timber?
Most merchants use 3 to 3.5 tonne forklifts for timber packs, with long forks or a sideshift. For very long or heavy loads, see our high capacity forklifts.
Do you have forklifts for building sites?
For rough sites we can advise on EP's outdoor models. Tell us about the ground, the loads and whether there's power on site, and we'll recommend the right truck.
Can we hire instead of buying?
Yes. Our contract hire runs from 12 months, at a fixed monthly cost with servicing, repairs and thorough examinations included. We don't do short-term or weekly hire. See contract hire.
Do you do free site surveys?
Yes. We visit your site anywhere in Ireland or Northern Ireland, check aisle widths, door heights, floors, ramps and loads, and recommend the right machines in writing. There is no charge and no obligation.
More industries we work with
Ready to swap your diesel?
Tell us about your yard and loads and we'll recommend the right lithium-ion forklift, with a price to buy or hire.
Or call ROI 01 5267 411 · NI 028 3833 7038 · Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5pm
Get a quote
Tell us what you're moving and we'll come back with the right EP machine and a price, usually within a few hours.
Thanks, we've got your request
One of the team will be in touch, usually within a few hours during business hours.
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