6 Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Custom Forklift Battery Pack From China Manufacturer

6 Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Custom Forklift Battery Pack From China Manufacturer

If forklifts are an indispensable part of the manufacturing process at your facility, choosing the right battery is key.

After all, a battery is a long-term investment. It has a direct impact on the efficiency of manufacturing processes, saves you time and money.

This short guide gives you a low-down on the 8 factors that you must give a thought in your forklift battery purchase.

Size. Every forklift model accommodates a specific size battery. Hence, the first point to consider is what size forklift battery is compatible with your electric vehicle. Refer to the dimensions of the battery compartment when trying to determine the right size battery.

Weight. Forklifts feature a counterweight in the rear part to balance out the loads lifted in the front. A good deal of forklifts utilise the weight of the battery as a counterweight. Therefore, start by reviewing the counterweight requirements of the forklift. Choosing a low-weight battery can cause the vehicle to become unstable.

Battery technology. Lead-acid and lithium-ion are among the most widely used chemistries for forklifts.

Of the two, lead acid batteries have been extensively used to power commercial forklifts. Lead-acid models are made of a sulphuric acid and water mix electrolyte. This base liquid interacts with its lead plates to generate energy. While lead acid batteries do a fairly reasonable job keeping your forklifts up and running, they demand more maintenance. This includes topping up the battery regularly with water.

Lithium-ion chemistries are relatively new, with their first models used in the early 1990s. In fact, most batteries fitted in forklifts used in the material handling industry include the lithium-ion phosphate chemistry. They are energy dense, and designed in compact and lightweight profiles.

They have a longer service life, work for a reasonable number of hours on a single charge and take a maximum 2-3 hours to recharge. This is a great feature if your facility works round the clock on rotational shifts. Also, lithium-ion forklift batteries do not have a removable top (like lead-acids) and do not require to be refilled.

Voltage and Amperage Requirements. The wrong voltage can damage your vehicle beyond repair. 36-volt and 48-volt batteries are commonly used to power forklifts. Check the voltage your forklift can handle before choosing a battery.

The ampere-hour (AH) dictates the battery capacity. A higher ampere hour rating translates to better battery capacity. Buy a forklift with the highest amp hour rating to maximize operational efficiency and extend run time.

Charger specifications. It is likely that you will be using your new forklift battery with your existing charging system. Not all chargers are created the same, even if they are created for the same voltage. A good lithium-ion battery supplier like JB Battery will guide you on issues such as battery-charger compatibility. To add, switching to a lithium ion forklift battery from a lead acid will require you to change the battery.

In the end, after settling for a battery, you may need to review the total number of batteries you need to keep your forklift fleet running. You can also opt for reconditioned or customised lithium-ion and lead acid batteries.

So, whether you have a single forklift machine or operate a fleet, keep these 8 pointers in mind to ensure you are choosing the best in the market.