Carry the load

Photo: John Bartok

No matter what size of business you have, the electric cart is a great tool to move plants and people. The payback comes from moving more plants and reducing the amount of walking. With many choices of design and size, there are models to fit most greenhouse operations and materials-moving tasks. Electric carts are also environment-friendly and don’t create any unwanted pollution.

Application

Decide on the cart’s primary use. Cargo carriers have a driver compartment and bed area. Adding racks can increase their usefulness. Tow tractors can have either a stand-up or seat compartment and usually a very small cargo area. They can pull a train of carts.

Size and capacity

For use as an order chaser or maintenance vehicle, a bed size up to 3’ x 5’ is adequate. In small operations where distance is short and space limited, a smaller vehicle may be desirable. In larger operations or where plants are grown outdoors, a larger vehicle can be advantageous. Load capacities of 600 to over 15,000 pounds are available.

Horsepower

Motor horsepower rating will depend on the load to be carried or pulled, the grade to be climbed, if any, and the speed of movement. For typical greenhouse use, 4-8 horsepower is usually adequate. Most manufacturers have options to fit your needs.

Battery

For intermittent duty or light handling, a standard 24- or 36-volt industrial battery system works well. Continuous use or operation near rated capacity may require a 48-volt heavy duty battery. Lithium batteries provide about twice the available energy. Batteries generally have a two-year useful life. Most carts have on-board chargers.

Operation and safety

Electric carts are easy to operate, but the operator should be trained as per the manufacturer’s specifications based on the specific job and site hazards.

Maintenance

Electric vehicles require minimum maintenance. Periodic lubrication of movable parts is about all that is needed. Expendable parts that may need replacement occasionally are batteries, forward/reverse switch, rheostat speed control, brakes and motor brushes.