Invest or Not? Decoding Autonomous Forklift Costs

As the autonomous revolution unfolds, the question emerges: "What's a robotic forklift cost?. An automated forklift price varies from $45.000 to $200.000.

 You're about to embark on an enlightening journey, slicing through myths and misconceptions, revealing the true financial implications.

   From upfront costs to hidden expenses, this is your guide to understanding this transformative investment.

     

Autonomous Forklift Costs: Key Factors You Should Know

My name is Alfredo Pastor...  I've negotiated dozens of forklift agvs from different suppliers, this is my experience when it comes to calculate an agv forklift price. 

I guess you already know some basics like what is an autonomous forklift and the different types of robotic forklifts.  So... I'll go directly to the point  🎯 ... the automated forklift cost topic.  🤑

                      

How much is an agv forklift price?

At the beginning of this article, I have said that an automated forklift price goes from $45.000 to $200.000. In particular: 

• Autonomous Pallet mover: $45.000-$60.000
• Stacker: $60.000-$80.000
• Counterbalanced Fork truck: $85.000-$120.000
• Straddle: $80.000-$120.000
• VNA- Very Narrow Aisles: $150.000-$200.000
• Reach Trucks: $95.000-$130.000

   

  

Ok, as you can see, the first variable is the type of automated forklift. Great... but this info alone is useless because the  AGV Forklift price range depends on several other factors like:

✅ The payload capacity

✅ The lifting height

✅ The batteries and the charging system 

✅ The safety system (yes, I will explain you why, keep on reading).  

✅ Optionals like pallet detection, special clamping devices, etc. 

Honestly, it is very complicated to provide right values because there are tons of variables involved and each project is different. 

Check this example of a counterbalanced forklift cost depending on payload and lifting (with Lithium batteries). 

  

I suggest  to download the free excel tool: AGV Forklift Payback Calculator , where you can "play" with all these variables. 

   

  

The Battery: An Automated forklift cost driver?   

The type of battery and the charging solution will heavily impact on the overall cost of your driverless forklift system.   

For example, a Lithium battery cost around 700-900€/kW while a GEL one costs near 400€/kW. 

Just to give you an idea a Lithium 7kW battery for a stacker costs near 6500€. 

I'm not saying that a type of battery is the best. I'm not even saying that a given battery is cheaper because the convenience of a solution will depend on many variables like the depth of discharge, the charging rate, the lifetime, etc. 

If you need more info about battery type and charging solutions for mobile robots, you can download agvnetwork's dedicated whitepaper.   

Is the Safety System a cost driver for the automated forklift price?   

Yes, of course. Let me explain you why. 

Autonomous Forklifts do not have a mandatory agv safety standard. For example in Europe, they must only be compliant with the CE marking.  The main safety standard (that is not mandatory) is the EN 3691-4:2020 that does not specify many things, like  how many safety scanners does your vehicle need. 

     

    

Your forklift could not be covered 360° by a safety field depending on several factors like vehicle speed, type of working area (hazard, restricted, etc).

It means that a supplier could offer a forklift with 1 safety scanner and another supplier a vehicle with 3 safety scanners or more.  And even this way, it could or not be compliant with the 3691-4. 

Then, they come some other protective requirements. For example, if you wish to detect protruding objects above the floor level, you could need additional agv sensors like LiDARs, ultrasonic sensors or radars that would increase the vehicle cost. 

This is my advise: Make sure that your autonomous forklift complies with the latest standars even if they are not mandatory and choose a reliable agv manufacturer able to install the vehicles safely.   

         

Conclusions 

 Donot be shy... It's free... ????   

Download The AGV Forklift Guide

   I warmly suggest to investigate these other articles and whitepapers

Related articles...to  learn more about Automated Forklifts AGV  Payback - Download the free Payback Calculator Automated guided vehicle cost - An overview and Excel donwloadable with all the price variables included in an agv system project What can Warehouse Robotic Forklifts do? AGV Pick Up Pallet Methods