When buying a forklift battery, there are several factors to consider. These factors include maintenance requirements, ownership cost, and battery type. If you’re unsure which one to purchase, read on https://txmotive.com/product-category/batteries/ to find out what to look for. Then, compare each of these factors with the features and benefits of your forklift. After reading this article, you’ll know what to look for when purchasing a forklift battery.
Cost of ownership
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a forklift battery relates to battery maintenance and replacement costs. It is the most significant driver of maintenance costs for forklifts. Battery purchases are comparable to the cost of fuel in internal combustion engines. However, the overall cost of ownership is much more complex.
While it may be tempting to spend more money on a forklift battery, the reality is that you won’t get as much use out of it as you initially thought. It’s also crucial to ensure the battery is compatible with the actual use of the lift truck. Even the same lift truck may be used differently in different facilities and require different batteries. In addition, it means the battery must be properly sized and positioned.
Maintenance requirements
When you are buying a forklift battery, there are several maintenance requirements that you should follow:
- The battery should be charged properly and stored in a cool, dry place. Overwatering or underwatering the battery can cause excessive sulfation and acid leakage, potentially harmful for workers.
- It would help if you regularly cleaned the top of the battery using a chemical cleaner.
- The top should also be cleaned monthly to prevent chemical buildup, damaging the tray, and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
Lastly, the battery must be maintained regularly. Typically, this involves equalizing the charges between the cells, cleaning the battery case, and adding water to the cells. In addition, you must remember to maintain the battery correctly to avoid a lower battery capacity, which could result in decreased battery performance. To ensure the battery lasts a long time, follow the instructions in the manual. It can help you avoid a battery failure.
Types of batteries
There are two major forklift batteries: lead-acid and lithium-ion. While both have their benefits, lithium-ion batteries have the most advantages over lead-acid batteries. Unlike lead acid, these batteries do not produce harmful pollutants, and lithium-ion batteries do not require a special charging room. This feature is particularly important for industries such as the food and beverage industry. It also eliminates the risk of accidents caused by heavy batteries.
As for size, lithium-ion batteries are smaller than lead-acid batteries, though they have similar voltages and capacities. When purchasing batteries for forklifts, make sure that they fit tightly. Batteries that are too loose may cause damage. To ensure a secure fit, consider purchasing batteries with padding.
Cost of replacement
Considering the cost of a forklift battery, you may be tempted to buy the cheapest option possible. After all, batteries are expensive, and improper upkeep can result in early battery replacement. If you’d like to extend the life of your battery, follow these simple maintenance tips. Keep batteries clean, equalized, and well-maintained.
A lithium-ion battery costs as much as $2,000, whereas a lead-acid battery will cost around $600. Lithium-ion batteries will last about four times as long as standard forklift batteries, so you’ll save money. You’ll also need a battery charger, which will cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500. But be sure to use a charger certified for forklifts so you don’t incur unexpected expenses.
Availability of support and service
If you need help with your forklift battery, you must find a reliable supplier with an extensive range of batteries and chargers. Availability of technical support is essential when choosing a battery, as you may need to specify specific features and settings. A supplier should also be able to advise on proper set-up, what’s included in the battery’s price, and what the battery’s safety features are.
The first step in purchasing a forklift battery is to determine how you will install it. There are two common methods for installing forklift batteries, either side or top. If the battery is installed sideways, extra space must be blocked off so that the battery doesn’t move around. The next step is to check the battery’s weight. This weight is stamped on its case. Ensure it fits inside the forklift compartment and meets the minimum weight.