3-Ton Forklift for Yuma Energy Battery-Station Installation Arumbakkam

A new battery-swapping station does not look like a typical construction site. There is no

deep excavation, no large earthmoving fleet and no long stretches of road work. But it still

needs precise material handling, safe lifting and careful placement of heavy equipment.

Lasmo recently supported Yuma Energy, India’s leading Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS)

company, with a 3-ton forklift rental for unloading and positioning four battery-swapping

machines at a new station location opposite Vaishnava College, Arumbakkam, Chennai.

Each machine weighed approximately 370 kg to 500 kg, and the work required accurate

placement at the site so that installation and commissioning could proceed without delay.

Customer Profile: Yuma Energy

Yuma Energy is a Bengaluru-based battery-swapping and energy-as-a-service company,

backed by Magna and Yulu. The company designs and manufactures its own battery packs

and charging units, and operates one of India’s largest battery-swapping networks for

electric two- and three-wheelers.

Key facts about Yuma Energy:

• India’s fastest-growing Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) provider
• Over 35 million battery swaps completed
• More than 2,000 battery-swapping stations across 400+ locations in 17 cities
• Expanding into Chennai and Pune as part of its next growth phase
• Manufactures battery packs in Chennai and charging units in Bengaluru

For Yuma, every new station is part of a tightly planned network where uptime, reliability and

rapid deployment matter. A delay in unloading or positioning equipment can push back the

entire station-commissioning schedule.

The Requirement: Unloading and Positioning Four Swapping Machines

Yuma Energy needed to install four battery-swapping machines at the Arumbakkam

location. Each unit weighed between 370 kg and 500 kg. The scope included:

• Unloading the machines from the transport vehicle
• Moving them safely across the site
• Positioning them at the exact installation points
• Ensuring no damage to the machines or surrounding property
• Completing the work within a short time window so that electrical and civil teams

could begin their work

Manual handling was not a practical or safe option for repeated movement of 500 kg units in

a busy urban location. A mechanical lifting solution was essential.

Why a 3-Ton Forklift Was Selected

A 3-ton forklift was chosen for this assignment for several practical reasons.

1. Adequate Capacity with Safety Margin

Each machine weighed up to 500 kg. A 3-ton (3,000 kg) forklift provides a large safety

margin, allowing the operator to handle the units comfortably without working near the

machine’s maximum rated capacity. This reduces risk and improves control during lifting and

positioning.

2. Compact Enough for Urban Site Access

The location opposite Vaishnava College, Arumbakkam is in a developed residential and

commercial zone. A 3-ton forklift is compact enough to navigate typical city streets, enter

constrained site areas and manoeuvre around existing structures, while still offering

sufficient lifting capacity for this scope.

3. Precise Lifting and Placement

Forklifts allow controlled vertical and horizontal movement. The operator can:

• Lift the machine to the required height
• Tilt the mast slightly for stability
• Move forward and backward in small increments
• Position the unit exactly at the marked location

This precision is important when the machines must align with pre-prepared foundations,

electrical conduits and anchoring points.

4. Faster Than Manual or Improvised Methods

Using a forklift reduced the time needed to unload and position all four machines. It also

minimised the risk of:

• Dropping or damaging equipment
• Straining labour during manual shifting
• Blocking the road for an extended period
• Causing inconvenience to nearby residents and businesses

Work Execution at Arumbakkam

Site Assessment and Planning

Before the forklift entered the site, the Lasmo team and Yuma’s site supervisor confirmed:

• Exact unloading point for the transport vehicle
• Path the forklift would follow to reach each installation point
• Ground condition and load-bearing capacity
• Overhead obstructions such as wires, signage or canopies
• Pedestrian movement and traffic impact on the main road
• Final positioning marks for each machine

Clear planning helps prevent last-minute changes that can increase risk and delay.

Safe Unloading from the Transport Vehicle

The four battery-swapping machines arrived on a truck or small transporter. The forklift

operator:

• Inspected each unit for visible damage before lifting
• Confirmed the weight and centre of gravity with the site team
• Positioned the forks correctly under the lifting points or base frame
• Lifted each machine smoothly, avoiding sudden jerks
• Lowered the load to a safe travel height before moving

The operator maintained slow, controlled movements throughout to protect both the

equipment and nearby structures.

Positioning at Installation Points

Once unloaded, each machine was moved to its designated location. The work required:

• Aligning the machine with pre-marked positions
• Ensuring adequate clearance for operation and maintenance access
• Avoiding damage to finished floors, tiles or civil work
• Coordinating with Yuma’s installation team for final adjustments

Because the machines are part of an automated battery-swapping system, even small

misalignments can affect installation time. The forklift allowed fine adjustments without

repeated manual pushing or pulling.

Completion and Handover

After all four machines were positioned:

• The site team verified the alignment and spacing
• The forklift was moved out of the work zone
• The area was cleared of any temporary packing or debris
• Yuma’s installation team began electrical and civil integration work

The customer confirmed that the work was completed as expected and that the machines

were placed accurately without damage.

Why This Work Matters for Chennai’s EV Ecosystem

Yuma Energy’s expansion into Chennai is part of a larger shift towards electric mobility in the

city. Battery-swapping stations reduce range anxiety, shorten refuelling time and support

delivery fleets, gig workers and daily commuters who depend on electric two- and

three-wheelers.

Each new station requires:

• Civil preparation and foundation work
• Safe unloading and positioning of swapping hardware
• Electrical installation and grid connection
• Network integration and testing
• Staff training and operational setup

Material handling is a small but critical part of this process. If machines are damaged during

unloading or incorrectly positioned, it can delay commissioning and affect the station’s

go-live date.

Benefits Delivered to Yuma Energy

The 3-ton forklift rental supported Yuma Energy in several practical ways.

1. Safe Handling of Heavy Equipment

Each swapping machine weighed up to 500 kg. The forklift allowed safe, controlled lifting

and movement without relying on manual labour or improvised methods.

2. Accurate Positioning

The machines had to be placed at specific points to align with foundations, electrical

conduits and operational layout. The forklift enabled precise adjustments that would be

difficult to achieve manually.

3. Faster Station Deployment

Quick unloading and positioning helped Yuma’s installation team begin their work sooner.

Faster deployment supports the company’s goal of rapidly expanding its swapping network

across Chennai.

4. Minimal Disruption in a Busy Area

Arumbakkam is a busy residential and commercial corridor. Completing the unloading and

positioning work efficiently reduced road-blocking time and inconvenience to nearby

businesses, students and residents.

5. Reduced Risk of Damage

Battery-swapping machines are high-value assets with sensitive electronics and mechanical

components. Using a forklift reduced the risk of dropping, scraping or impacting the units

during handling.

Why Forklifts Are Essential for EV-Infrastructure

Projects

EV-infrastructure projects—such as battery-swapping stations, charging hubs, depot

chargers and substation upgrades—often involve heavy, delicate equipment that must be

placed precisely.

Typical items that require forklift support include:

• Battery-swapping cabinets and modules
• DC fast-charging units
• Transformer skids and electrical panels
• Battery racks and storage systems
• Control panels and switchgear
• Solar inverters and energy-storage containers
• Prefabricated shelter units

For these applications, a forklift is not simply a convenience. It is a necessary tool to ensure

safety, protect expensive equipment and maintain project schedules.

Choosing the Right Forklift Capacity

Selecting the correct forklift capacity is important for every lifting assignment.

Load per

unit

Recommended forklift

capacity

Why

Up to 1,000

kg

2-ton forklift Adequate capacity with safety margin

1,000–2,000

kg

2.5–3-ton forklift Suitable for heavier single loads or

multiple items

2,000–3,000

kg

3–3.5-ton forklift For industrial loads, machinery and bulky

items

Above 3,000

kg

5-ton or higher forklift For very heavy equipment and large skids

For Yuma’s Arumbakkam project, each machine was 370–500 kg, but a 3-ton forklift was

selected to provide a comfortable safety margin, better stability and flexibility in handling

multiple units and auxiliary materials.

Before deploying a forklift in a city environment, site teams should confirm:

• The operator is trained, licensed and familiar with the machine.
• The forklift has passed its daily pre-start inspection.
• Forks, chains, hydraulics, brakes, lights and alarms are functional.
• The load weight and centre of gravity are understood.
• The travel path is clear of pedestrians, vehicles and obstructions.
• Overhead clearance is adequate for raised loads.
• The ground can support the forklift and the load.
• A banksman is used where visibility is restricted.
• The load is secured and balanced before movement.
• No one stands under a raised load or within the swing radius.
• Work is coordinated with traffic, security and local stakeholders where needed.

Customer Feedback

Yuma Energy’s site team confirmed that the forklift work was completed smoothly, all four

battery-swapping machines were positioned accurately, and the equipment remained

undamaged. The quick and safe handling allowed the installation team to proceed with

electrical and civil work on schedule.

The customer was satisfied with the support and confirmed that the station deployment in

Arumbakkam could move forward as planned.

Lasmo provided a 3-ton forklift on rent to unload and position four battery-swapping

machines, each weighing approximately 370 kg to 500 kg, at Yuma Energy’s new station

opposite Vaishnava College, Arumbakkam, Chennai.

A 3-ton forklift offers a large safety margin, better stability and more controlled handling than

a smaller machine working close to its limit. This reduces risk and improves precision when

positioning sensitive, high-value equipment.

Lasmo arranges 2-ton, 3-ton and higher-capacity forklifts on rent across Chennai, including

Ambattur, Guindy, Manali, Padi, Oragadam, Sriperumbudur, Tambaram, Pallavaram,

Perungudi, Sholinganallur and surrounding industrial areas. Forklifts can be provided with or

without operators, depending on availability and project requirement. Share your location,

load details and shift timing with Lasmo to check operator availability.

Yes. Forklift operators should be trained and competent to operate the machine safely. Many

customers in Chennai prefer to hire forklifts with experienced operators to reduce risk and

ensure proper handling of loads. Lasmo can help arrange forklifts with trained operators

where available, subject to location and duration.

Lasmo can arrange forklifts with or without operators, based on the customer’s requirement.

For sensitive or high-value loads, an experienced operator is strongly recommended.

Conclusion

Yuma Energy’s new battery-swapping station in Arumbakkam is one of many sites that will

support Chennai’s growing electric-mobility network. Behind every station launch is a series

of practical tasks—civil work, equipment delivery, safe lifting, precise positioning and

electrical integration.

Lasmo’s 3-ton forklift rental enabled Yuma Energy to unload and position four heavy

battery-swapping machines safely and accurately, helping the installation team stay on

schedule. The customer was happy with the execution, and the work was completed without

damage or delay.

For forklift rental, crane support, earthmoving equipment or material-handling solutions for

EV-infrastructure, data centres, warehouses, factories and industrial projects in Chennai,

Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram, message Lasmo on WhatsApp.