Forklift battery: The powerhouse of your electric forklift

Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries use lithium ions as electrolytes. It is a newer technology, first used in the early 1990s. Lithium-ion batteries can be of many different types. The most popular of them is the LFP or Lithium Iron Phosphate. They are popular in electronic devices, such as laptops and cell phones, because they are lightweight and can hold a charge for a long time. Recently, Lithium-ion batteries became a popular option for electric forklifts.

Pros:

1. Lightweight
2. Compact and energy-dense
3. Charges much faster than Lead-acid batteries
4. Can be charged inside the forklift
5. Much longer lifespan
6. Requires minimal maintenance
7. Sealed and chemically risk-free
8. Eco-friendly
9. Saves money in long-term

Cons:

1. More expensive than Lead-Acid batteries
2. Can catch fire when heavily damaged

Figure: A Lithium-ion forklift battery

Apart from these two types, Nickel Cadmium batteries are also used. They are very costly and difficult to handle. However, they are very reliable and suitable for some specific environments.

Sizes of forklift battery

Electric forklift batteries are available in four sizes. They are:

• 24V
• 36V
• 48V
• 80V

A typical electric lift truck uses either a 36V or 48V battery. These batteries are most suitable for Narrow Aisle Forklifts, 3 Wheel Sit-downs, and Counterbalance Forklifts. 24V is mostly used in End and Center Riders, Walkie Stackers, and Walkie Pallet Jacks. 80V batteries are uncommon and only used in Large Counterbalance Forklifts for heavy-duty operation.

How much does a forklift battery weigh?

Depending on the capacity and type, the weight of a battery varies widely. Lead-acid batteries are heavier, weighing from 800 to 3500 lbs. While this may sound like a disadvantage, it is actually quite useful. Forklifts lift heavy objects. To maintain balance, they use counterweights. In most cases, batteries provide that counterweight.

Lithium-ion batteries are much lighter than Lead-acid batteries. They weigh anywhere between 400 to 2,500 lbs. Since they are lightweight, forklifts with Lithium-ion batteries use extra metal bars as counterweights.

When should you add water to a forklift battery?

Typically forklift batteries require top-off water once a week. We recommend topping off the battery only after charging. The fluid inside the battery expands during charging. Topping off before charging will cause the fluid to overflow. Some acid will be lost with the fluid, decreasing battery capacity.

Figure: Watering forklift batteries

Please note that battery plates remain submerged in the fluid before charging. If not, the battery will dry out due to overheating and lose capacity. Add enough water to drown the plates before charging, but do not top off. You should top-off when the battery is fully charged and cooled off.

How to charge a forklift battery?

Charging is a crucial part of forklift battery maintenance. How you charge your battery determines how long it will last. Below is a step-by-step guideline for charging your battery:

1. Battery removal: Do not lift heavy batteries by yourself. Also, use proper safety measures like steel-toed boots, hand-gloves and safety goggles.
2. Charging schedule: Charge the battery only when it reaches 25-30% charge capacity. Try to avoid charging it according to the fixed schedule.
3. Charging area: For lead-acid batteries, use a dedicated charging area if possible. Lead-acid batteries heat up during charging. Hence, the charging space should have good air circulation. Keep the hood open for heat dissipation if you charge the battery inside the forklift.
4. Forklift battery charger: The forklift battery charger must output the same voltage as the battery. It also should have a 10% Ampere Hour or AH rating of the battery AH rating.
5. Forklift battery connectors: Check your forklift battery connectors before charging. Replace them if they are damaged.
6. Forklift battery watering system: Maintain a proper battery watering schedule. Having a watering log is essential. Also, only top off the battery after charging it. The best practice is to top off after cooling down.
7. Charging time: Charge the battery for at least 8 hours as it helps with equal acid distribution. Avoid overcharging the battery.

Figure: Charging your forklift battery requires care and caution

Lift Parts Warehouse has a wide collection of Single Phase, Three Phase, Multi-voltage, and Multi-shift chargers for your electric forklift. Please visit this page to buy the charger you need.

How long do forklift batteries last?

The lifespan of these batteries varies according to type and usage. Lead-acid batteries have the shortest lifespan among all types. They have 8 hours charging period and 8 hours cooling period. Hence, they are only used for one shift every day. In such a case, a typical Lead-acid battery should last for five years or 1500 charging cycles.

Lithium-ion batteries take only 2 hours to charge and do not need any cooldown. Hence they are sometimes used for two shifts a day. If used for only one shift per day, they can last for up to 10 years or 3000 cycles. However, using them for two shifts decreases their lifespan. In this case, they complete the 3000 charging cycles sooner than ten years.

Takeaways

• Electric forklift batteries are of two types- Lead-acid and Lithium-ion
• Except for higher initial cost, Lithium-ion batteries are much better in every aspect
• Batteries for forklift are available in 24V, 36V, 48V and 80V outputs
• Lead-acid batteries weigh between 800 to 3500 lbs, whereas Lithium-ion batteries weigh between 400 to 2,500 lbs
• Lead-acid batteries usually require watering once a week
• Do not top off Lead-acid batteries before charging
• Charge batteries when they are below 30% charge
• Lead-acid batteries can last up to 1500 charging cycles, while Lithium-ion batteries can last up to 3000 cycles.