Electric Forklift Batteries: Everything You Need to KnowPosted by Heiwhite on June 30th, 2024 The best way to power your Batteries for Electric Forklift is to choose the right battery technology. In order to maximize the performance, bottom line, and overall productivity of your forklift, it is imperative that you carefully evaluate the various battery options available, whether you're upgrading your current battery or purchasing a new one. Providing power for commercial forklifts requires two basic types of batteries. These are lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. With the help of this post, we will compare both types of batteries from a variety of perspectives, including safety, longevity, maintenance, and charging. You will be able to make an informed choice on which battery is best for your electric forklift after going through these tips. Weight of the batteryIt is important that you consult with the spec plate or spec sheet to know the maximum or minimum weight that is required by the truck. You might end up adding unnecessary strain to some forklift components if you choose to purchase a battery that is heavier than the maximum weight required for the forklift. As well as affecting performance, this can invalidate the manufacturer's warranty. In most cases, the battery serves as a counterweight to that of the truck, ensuring that the forklift is always in a balanced position. As a result, you cannot purchase a battery which weighs less than the minimum requirement weight, since it will not only destabilize the forklift but will also pose a safety risk. Forklift performance or lifting capacities can also be affected by attempts to offset the counterbalance of a battery. The maintenance ofIt is important to be aware of what is known as sulfation for people who choose lead-acid batteries. Essentially, it is a chemical reaction that can cause a lead acid battery to fail. For this to not occur, one must ensure that the electrolyte water level is kept at a constant level. This is why distilled water is used to top off the electrolyte water periodically. Thus, you will be able to extend the battery's life. While this is true, you need to consider the cost of watering lead-acid batteries for large fleets because it would be very expensive, and only a professional could handle it. Their safety could be compromised if they do not follow special instructions when doing so. Lithium batteries don't require any distilled water to be added to them, so they're much easier to maintain. In addition to doing a routine clean up on the battery, you don't need to do anything special. You can use a lithium-ion battery without worrying about maintenance. In other words, lithium-ion batteries aren't as difficult or expensive to maintain as lead-acid batteries. Keeping safeThere is a clear difference between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries when it comes to safety. Lead-acid batteries are essentially made from two chemicals – lead and sulfuric acid. These chemicals are extremely dangerous and can present a safety risk to any team. Maintenance on sulfuric acid can lead to skin contact. It is therefore recommended that you always wear personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, face shields, splash proof googles, and acid resistant aprons. When a lead acid battery is charged, it can also produce an explosive product consisting of hydrogen and oxygen gases. In addition to other measures, lead acid battery users need to install hydrogen sensors to monitor its charging. There have been reports of explosions when the battery is being charged in an inadequately ventilated space. A lead-acid battery that is overcharged can release hydrogen sulfide, a poisonous gas that should not be inhaled. If this occurs, everyone in the vicinity should be evacuated. A lithium-ion battery, on the other hand, poses less risk because it is completely sealed, so you don't need to open it for anything. This prevents spilling electrolyte, sulfation, or toxic fumes from occurring. Lithium-ion batteries are a better choice than lead-acid batteries in any workplace due to their safety and health benefits. Duration of lifeIf a lead-acid battery is properly maintained, it can last between 1000 and 1500 cycles. However, there is one other thing you should know about this. In fact, even if you charge a lead-acid battery for 30 minutes, that counts as one cycle. As a result, each charge shortens the battery's lifespan. Get more info about Lithium Battery Suppliers. A lead-acid battery's lifespan can also be affected by how it is charged, in addition to maintenance. The best way to ensure its longevity and optimal performance is not to leave them partially discharged. It is also important to charge them back as soon as possible when they are discharged. While lead-acid batteries can last up to 10,000 cycles, lithium-ion batteries can last up to 3000 cycles. Lithium-ion batteries are not like lead-acid batteries because every time the battery is fully charged, it is considered to have completed one charging cycle. A lithium-ion battery doesn't suffer any damage when it's left in a state of partial discharge, and charging it for just a few minutes does not reduce its lifespan. Like it? Share it!More by this author |