A forklift is a major financial investment. Even more important is getting the right battery pack for your forklift. A consideration that should go into the forklift battery cost is the value you get from purchase. In this article, we will go into detail about what to consider when buying a battery pack for your forklift.
How to Choose the Right Forklift Battery
Before buying your forklift battery, here are some important considerations that will ensure you get value for the forklift battery cost.
Does the Battery Have a Warranty?
The forklift battery cost is not the only qualification when buying a new forklift battery. The warranty is one of the most important considerations. Only buy a forklift battery that comes with a warranty, the longer you can get, the better.
Always read through the warranty terms to ensure there are no hidden loopholes. For instance, check if they offer battery replacement in case of an issue and whether they offer replacement parts.
Does the Battery Fit in Your Compartment?
Before you get yourself a new forklift battery, take exit measurements of your battery compartment and note them down. These measures include the depth, width, and height.
Do not use the former battery to take measurements. Instead, measure the compartment. That will ensure that you do not restrict yourself to the same battery model and have more options from which to pick.
Does It Match Your Forklift’s Voltage?
When getting a new battery, check that it matches your forklift’s voltage, on top of checking the forklift battery cost. Forklift batteries come in different voltages, with some providing 24 volts while others provide 36 volts and more.
Small forklifts can work with 24 volts However, larger forklifts require more voltage. Most forklifts will have the voltage they can take indicated on a panel on the outside or insider the battery compartment. Additionally, you can check the manufacturer’s specifications to be certain.
Does It Meet the Counterweight Requirements?
Every forklift has a minimum battery weight for which it is rated. Forklift batteries provide a counterweight, which is needed for the safe operation of the forklift. On the data plate for the forklift, you will find the exact number.
In general, lithium batteries weigh less than lead-acid batteries, which is one of the main advantages of lithium ion battery. It ensures that they can pack more power for the same size and weight of battery. In general, always match the weight requirements, as an underweight battery can create unsafe working conditions.
What Is the Battery Chemistry?
Lithium batteries are a great option for heavier forklifts; those in Class I, II, and III. The reason for this is that they have three times the lifespan of a lead-acid battery. Additionally, they have minimal maintenance requirements and can work in a broader range of temperatures.
Another major benefit of lead-acid batteries is their ability to maintain constant output even when the capacity drops. With lead acid batteries, performance often suffers when they are discharged too fast.
What Loads and Distance Is Travelled?
In general, the heavier the loads, the higher they have to be lifted, and the longer the distance, the more capacity is needed. For light operations, a lead-acid battery will work just fine.
However, if you want to get constant and reliable output from the forklift for a normal 8-hour shift, a lithium battery is the best option. For instance, in a food handling operation, where weights of up to 20,000 pounds are common, sturdy lithium batteries offer the best performance.
What Types of Attachments Are Used on The Forklift?
Besides the loads being moved, the attachments used for the forklift are another consideration. Operations where heavy loads are moved require heavier attachments. As such, you will require a battery with high capacity.
A major advantages of lithium ion battery is they can store more capacity for the same weight. It is a requirement for reliable operation when using attachments such as a hydraulic paper clamp, which is heavier and requires more “juice.”
What are the Connector Types?
The connectors are an important consideration when getting a forklift battery. You will need to know where the cables are positioned, the length needed, and the connector type. When it comes to the cable length, more is always better than less.
What Is the Operating Temperature?
Besides the forklift battery cost, you will need to consider the normal temperature under which the forklift is used. A Lead-acid battery will lose nearly 50% of its capacity in cold temperatures. It also has an operating ceiling of 77F, after which it begins to lose its capacity rapidly.
With a lithium-ion battery, that is not an issue. They can operate comfortably in a cooler or freezer without suffering any meaningful loss to their capacity. The batteries often come equipped with a thermal regulation mechanism that ensures they maintain the right temperature.
Advantages of Lithium Ion Battery
As already briefly mentioned above, there are many advantages of lithium ion battery. Here is a closer look at these advantages:
Lightweight
Lithium batteries are lightweight compared to lead-acid batteries. It makes handling and changing the batteries easy, which can save a lot of time on a warehouse floor.
Low Maintenance
Lithium batteries do not require special storage areas, unlike lead-acid batteries. They also do not require regular top-ups. Once the battery is fitted in place, it only has to be observed for any external damage, and it will continue working as it should.
Great Operating Temperature Range
A lithium battery can operate in a wide temperature range without suffering any damage to its capacity. With lead-acid batteries, long-term exposure to cold or hot temperatures wears them out faster, diminishing their lifespan.
Dependable Power Output
Lithium-ion batteries are renowned for their constant power output. With lead acid batteries, power output often diminishes as the charge drops. As such, they can perform fewer tasks at a lower charge, making them a suboptimal price, especially in high-speed operations.
Can Be Stored At Low Charge
With lead acid batteries, they have to be stored at full charge or they will lose a good portion of their capacity. Lithium batteries do not suffer from this problem. They can be stored for a few days at low charge and quickly recharged when required. As such, it makes logistics for dealing with them much easier.
Finance/Rental/Leasing Issue
Because of the high cost of a forklift, most people prefer to rent, lease or finance one. As a renter, it is important to maintain some level of control over your forklift, which is possible with modern lithium-ion batteries.
For instance, ROYPOW batteries come integrated with a 4G module, which can allow the forklift owner to lock it remotely if the need arises. The remote lock feature is a great tool for fleet management. You can learn more about the modern ROYPOW forklift LiFePO4 lithium-ion batteries on our website.
Conclusion: Get Your Battery Now
When you are looking to upgrade your forklift battery, the information above should be quite helpful to you. Besides checking the forklift battery cost, remember to check all the other boxes, which will ensure that you get the best possible value for your money. The right battery could have a serious impact on your productivity and the profitability of your operations.
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