New electric forklift for Bellville Mechanical Workshop

The Department of Infrastructure handed over the first electric forklift to operator mechanics at the Bellville Mechanical Workshop on Friday, 19 January 2024.

The forklift is smaller, quieter, and uses batteries instead of diesel fuel. This green technology paves the way for a more cost-saving, energy-efficient way of working.

The Department has four forklifts at the workshop. Forklift operations include lifting and moving road signs and equipment for repairs and distribution. New forklifts are procured once their predecessors no longer function optimally.

“The big forklift’s lifespan and ability to function saw the need for the upgrade,” said Marilise van Wyngaardt, Director for Regional Road Services.

“We handed over the electrical forklift to our team. It’s a 7-tonne forklift and will be used specifically to lift everything that is heavier than what the smaller diesel forklifts can lift.”

The forklift’s own battery pack acts as a counterweight, saving the Department money in addition to the positive storage impact of having less bulky equipment on site.

“You don’t need extra ballasts which costs a little bit less. The battery pack ballasts the machine because it’s so heavy,” says Mustapha Subailey, Regional Road Management, Mechanical Services.

It was important for operator mechanics to be trained on using and maintaining the electric forklift as an eco-friendly alternative to its diesel counterpart.

“You have to gear up the whole industry or your whole facility’s mindset to become accustomed to operating as well as managing an electric vehicle”, says Subailey.

“The machine is super-quiet, so you don’t need earmuffs to work with the machine. The battery pack is much smaller, so it’s a smaller build and you can get a heavier machine into a smaller space.”

Workshop staff repair and maintain the Western Cape Government’s road maintenance equipment, manufacture and replace road signs, and maintain the provincial government’s radio network. This includes radio maintenance for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, as well as Provincial Traffic Management.