Switching from gas-powered to electric forklifts has transformed how [College Name] handles materials on campus. In this customer story, the team shares why the move to electric has been such a game-changer.
🎥 Watch the full story on YouTube below:
The Problem with Gas-Powered Forklifts
Like many organisations, Hertford College relied on gas-powered forklifts for years. But the drawbacks became hard to ignore:
-
High running costs – Gas bottles were expensive and added to operational overhead.
-
Storage & safety issues – Gas bottles had to be kept outside in secure cages, creating both a logistical and safety concern.
-
Inefficiency – Running out of gas mid-job meant long interruptions, with staff needing to fetch, swap, and secure bottles before continuing.
“The gas was so expensive plus you had the responsibility of storing the gas, which was a big concern within the college.”
⚡ Why Electric Was the Ideal Solution
The college decided to upgrade to a Kelvin Mini Electric Forklift and the benefits were immediate:
-
Plug & play charging – Simply plug into a 240V wall socket. No more gas storage or bottle swaps.
-
Quieter operation – The truck runs almost silently, with safety alerts like reverse bleepers built-in.
-
Compact size, big lift – Despite its small footprint, the forklift comfortably handles 1.5 tonnes of materials, perfect for pallets of bricks.
-
Indoor + outdoor flexibility – Low ceiling heights and narrow doorways were no challenge thanks to the forklift’s compact design.
“With being such a small truck, we’re able to lift one and a half tons, which is ideal for us… especially with low ceilings and double doors.”
Safety & Maintenance Advantages
Kelvin forklifts also brought modern features that their old gas truck lacked:
-
Blue reversing light – Improves visibility and safety when backing up.
-
Simple battery maintenance – Instead of opening multiple caps, the forklift connects directly to a water bottle system that fills automatically.
“For us, it’s definitely worthwhile.”
Results
Since switching to electric, Hertford College has seen:
-
Lower running costs
-
Improved safety compliance
-
Smoother day-to-day operations
-
Happier staff who spend less time worrying about refuelling and more time getting the job done
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re still running gas-powered forklifts, now is the time to consider going electric. Safer, quieter, and more cost-effective, Kelvin forklifts are designed to fit modern workplaces like yours.
👉 Get in touch with our team today and we’ll get the wheels turning on the perfect solution for you.