So your forklift needs a new battery. Before you hop in your truck to go get one so that you can keep your employees working, there are some things you need to know so that you get the right battery for your forklift. The professionals at Industrial Batteries & Accessories Ltd. provide us with the information we have to have before we go shopping for a forklift battery.
Voltage
Did you know that forklift batteries come in various voltages? Yep, they do, and if you don’t know the voltage of your forklift’s battery, you could end up purchasing the wrong one. Typically, forklifts use either 36-volt or 48-volt batteries, but there’s a pretty big difference between the two. Getting a battery with the incorrect voltage will damage your equipment, leaving you with a much bigger issue than a dead battery.
Compartment Size
Even if you get the battery with the right voltage for your forklift, it still might not fit into your forklift’s battery compartment. Sometimes, 36-volt batteries are larger than 48-volt batteries, depending on the manufacturer, so don’t make the assumption that all batteries are the same size. So before heading to a battery supplier, carefully measure the battery compartment for your forklift that needs the new battery. Do not measure the old battery itself as this doesn’t provide accurate dimensions. Plus, you might not be able to find the same battery, which means your measurements would become worthless.
Amp Hour Capacity
Knowing the amp hour capacity of your forklift will ensure that you purchase the most efficient battery for your equipment. The amp hour capacity represents the maximum run time and power of a battery and not every forklift is rated for the same capacity. However, you should always choose the battery with the highest-rated amp hour capacity that’s approved for your equipment. This will ensure your battery will run as long as possible.
Minimum Counterweight Requirement
The minimum counterweight requirement for your battery probably isn’t something you’ll know off the top of your head, so look in your forklift’s owner’s manual to find this critical number. You must choose a battery that meets the minimum counterweight requirement or you could throw your forklift out of balance. Not only does this mean your equipment won’t run as effectively as it could, but it’s also dangerous because it can cause your forklift to topple over. Never try to guess the minimum counterweight requirement for your forklift. It’s just not worth the risk.
Connections and Cables
As with nearly anything that takes a cable or has a connection to something else, your connections and cables will not be compatible with every battery available for sale. Make sure you check your connections and cables, including the type of connection and the length of cable you’ll need, before you start shopping for a battery. It will save you a lot of aggravation.
Conclusion
You wouldn’t go shopping for a new forklift without knowing exactly what you need and you shouldn’t shop for a forklift battery without this knowledge either. Otherwise, you could end up having to return a battery or worse, cause a forklift accident that could have been prevented.
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