Selecting a battery for your forklift is a more complicated process than you might think, especially because—believe it or not—a forklift battery serves more than one purpose. Further, there are also several types of forklift batteries available on the market. So, you’ll need to know what each type does to make the right decision for your forklift fleet. Fortunately, we can aid you in the selection process. Below, we break down how to select the right battery for your forklift.
The Dual Purpose of Forklift Batteries
As previously mentioned, forklift batteries serve two essential purposes. The first and most obvious one is to provide a source of power for your forklift. The second and least apparent one is to serve as a counterweight. The battery’s mass aids the lifting capacity of the forklift and promotes overall stability. Thus, you need to select the right size of battery that will support your forklift. If you buy a battery that’s too small, your forklift could suffer stability issues.
But how do you figure out the right size for your forklift? First, check the forklift’s data tag to view the counterweight requirement, then measure the available space in the battery compartment. Once you have both metrics, you’ll know the exact size that you need for your forklift.
Electric Forklift Battery Types
Once you determine the correct size, you’ll need to decide which type of battery you need. Almost all electric forklifts in operation today use one of two main battery types. They are lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
People typically consider lead-acid batteries an older technology. These batteries are bulky and contain tons of liquid. They generate electricity via a chemical reaction of lead plates and sulfuric acid. Lead-acid batteries require you to refill them with water frequently. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries feature newer technology. Additionally, the battery cells are sealed shut, so you don’t need to fill them with water. Lithium-ion batteries also require far less maintenance than lead-acid batteries. Overall, lead-acid batteries are a bit old-fashioned, but they’re an inexpensive option. Lithium-ion batteries are reliable but can be on the pricey side, so you must consider your budget when buying batteries.
While these two are the most popular, they aren’t the only options out there. Propane is an option, as is diesel fuel, but these are scarce. They also have disadvantages when compared to lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
We hope our insight on how to select the right battery for your forklift willhelp you in purchasing what’s best for your needs. Ready to shop? Green Power Forklift Batteries offers new forklift batteries in all types and sizes. For more information about what we have to offer, don’t hesitate to contact us.
