why purchase drexel ex forklifts

A company's material handling needs are a critical component of its operational efficiency and safety. When faced with the decision to purchase new equipment, a wide array of options exist, but for businesses operating in specialized, high-risk, or space-constrained environments, the choice can be narrowed down to a select few. The Drexel EX series of forklifts stands out as a unique and compelling solution, offering a combination of features and certifications that address the most demanding material handling challenges. This article explores the technical rationale behind purchasing a Drexel EX forklift, dissecting its core functionalities, safety features, and the specific applications where its value proposition is unmatched.

The Core Problem: Material Handling in Hazardous Environments

Many industries, including chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and certain food processing facilities, handle flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dusts. In these environments, even a small electrical spark or a buildup of static electricity from a standard forklift can trigger a catastrophic explosion. This risk is not hypothetical; it is a serious and regulated hazard.

Standard forklifts are not designed for these conditions. Their internal combustion engines produce heat and sparks, their electrical systems can arc, and even the friction from their tires can generate a static charge. To operate safely in these classified hazardous locations, a forklift must be specifically engineered to eliminate these ignition sources. This is where the Drexel EX series enters the picture.

The Drexel EX Solution: Engineered for Explosion-Proof Operation

The "EX" in Drexel EX stands for "explosion-proof," a designation that is not a marketing term but a stringent technical certification. The Drexel EX series (specifically models like the FL40AC-EX and FL60AC-EX) is built to meet the rigorous standards of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a globally recognized safety science company. These forklifts are UL-listed for operation in Type EX Class I, Division I, Group D, and Class II, Division I, Group G flammable hazardous areas.

This certification means that every component of the forklift has been meticulously designed and sealed to prevent any potential ignition source from escaping. The key technical features that enable this are:

1. Fully Enclosed and Pressurized Electrical Systems: The electrical components of the forklift, including the battery, motors, controllers, and wiring, are either housed in robust, flame-proof enclosures or are filled with an inert gas under positive pressure. This prevents any sparks or arcing from coming into contact with the surrounding flammable atmosphere. The enclosures are built to contain an explosion within the box itself, ensuring that any combustion that occurs does not propagate to the outside environment.

2. Specialized Motors and Controls: The Drexel EX forklifts utilize AC traction and hydraulic motors. These motors are designed with explosion-proof characteristics, meaning their internal construction is robust enough to contain any internal arcing or sparking. The Curtis AC controls are similarly sealed and suppressed to prevent radio-frequency interference (RFI) that could act as an ignition source.

3. Static Grounding and Fire Suppression: To mitigate the risk of static electricity buildup, the Drexel EX forklifts are equipped with static grounding steer tires and, in some cases, static grounding straps. The forks and load backrest are often brass-clad to prevent sparks that could be generated by contact with metal racks or pallets. A fire extinguisher is also a standard safety feature, mounted to the overhead guard.

4. Sealed and Shielded Components: Every detail is considered. The battery compartment is sealed, the lights and switches are encased in flame-proof housing, and all hydraulic components are designed to prevent leaks. The overall construction is robust, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of hazardous environments while ensuring maximum safety.

Beyond Explosion-Proof: The SwingMast® Advantage

While the explosion-proof certification is the primary differentiator for the Drexel EX series, its true value is amplified by its integration with Drexel's signature technology: the SwingMast® design. This patented technology transforms the Drexel forklift into a versatile, multi-purpose machine, effectively combining the functions of several different types of lift trucks into one.

1. The "Four-in-One" Machine: The Drexel SwingMast® forklift can perform the tasks of a conventional counterbalanced forklift, a side loader, a reach truck, and a turret truck.

Counterbalanced Truck: It can lift and transport standard pallets in open areas, just like a traditional forklift.

Side Loader: The mast can be rotated 90 degrees, allowing it to pick up and carry long, bulky loads (like pipes, lumber, or steel beams) sideways. This is a massive advantage in handling awkward loads, eliminating the need for a separate side loader.

Reach Truck / Turret Truck: Its most significant benefit is its ability to operate in very narrow aisles (VNA). The mast's 90-degree rotation and side-shift capability allow the operator to pick or place pallets from racks without turning the entire forklift. This dramatically reduces the aisle width required, freeing up valuable floor space for additional racking and storage.

2. Maximized Storage Density: The ability to work in narrow aisles (often as narrow as 60 inches or even less) is a game-changer for warehouse and facility managers. Traditional counterbalance forklifts require aisles of 12-14 feet for safe operation. By switching to a Drexel, a company can reclaim a significant portion of its warehouse footprint, potentially increasing its storage capacity by 40% or more without building a new facility or renting additional space. This directly translates to reduced overhead and a higher return on investment per square foot.

The Financial and Operational Case for Purchase

While a Drexel EX forklift may have a higher initial purchase price than a standard forklift, the long-term return on investment is often substantial.

1. Safety and Compliance: The most compelling reason is safety. The cost of a single accident in a hazardous environment—including medical expenses, legal fees, fines, and reputational damage—can be astronomical. By investing in a UL-certified explosion-proof forklift, a company is not just buying a piece of equipment; it is purchasing peace of mind and demonstrating a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

2. Reduced Equipment Fleet: Since a Drexel EX can perform the jobs of multiple specialized forklifts (counterbalanced, reach, and side loader), a company can significantly reduce the number of machines in its fleet. This leads to a reduction in maintenance costs, spare parts inventory, and operator training requirements.

3. Maximized Real Estate: The financial benefit of increased storage density cannot be overstated. By adding more racks and pallets into the same footprint, a company can postpone or avoid the costly expansion of its physical facilities.

4. Versatility and Productivity: The ability to handle a wide range of loads, from standard pallets to long and awkward items, improves operational flexibility and productivity. The SwingMast® functionality reduces travel time and improves the speed of put-away and retrieval operations, especially in high-density storage environments.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Drexel EX series does not sacrifice performance for safety. With models like the FL40AC-EX and FL60AC-EX, customers can expect:

Capacities: 4,000 lbs and 6,000 lbs, respectively.

Lift Heights: Available with two, three, and four-stage masts for lift heights up to 250 inches.

Power: Electrically powered with a 36-volt electrical system, offering quiet, emission-free operation, which is another crucial factor in many indoor and sensitive environments.

Maneuverability: A four-wheel configuration with independently driven front wheels and rear-wheel steering provides excellent control and a tight turning radius.

Ergonomics: The operator's compartment is designed for comfort and safety, with features like an adjustable seat, intuitive controls, and high visibility.

Conclusion

The decision to purchase a forklift is a strategic one, and for businesses operating in hazardous and space-constrained environments, the Drexel EX series offers a uniquely powerful solution. Its UL-certified explosion-proof design addresses the most critical safety concerns, while its patented SwingMast® technology provides unmatched versatility and space-saving efficiency. By combining the functionalities of multiple trucks into a single machine, a Drexel EX forklift not only enhances safety and regulatory compliance but also delivers significant operational and financial benefits, including increased storage capacity, reduced equipment fleet size, and improved productivity. For companies where safety cannot be compromised and every square foot of storage space matters, the Drexel EX forklift is not just an expense; it is a critical and profitable investment