If your business involves a lot of heavy lifting or cargo
loading type of thing, then there is a chance that you might employ the use of
forklifts. These smaller vehicles used to lift heavier things are a great use
for a company. However, did you know that the type of industrial battery you
use in a forklift affects the forklift’s efficiency? The type of battery that a
company chooses for the forklift can save a lot of time and money in the long
run.
There are two main types of forklift batteries; a lead-acid
battery and a lithium-ion battery. Once you have chosen the forklift, the
choice of the battery can play a key role in its overall production, ultimately
affecting the overall efficiency of your company. There are also other power
options for a few forklifts such as petroleum, gas, or diesel, but
battery-powered forklifts are much more popular.
Lead-acid batteries are the standard batteries that power
forklifts. They are heavy as they are filled with liquid and a removable top.
It generates electricity through electrolysis, a chemical reaction between two
lead plates dipped in sulphuric acid. This method of electrolysis was one of
the first methods that were used to generate electricity and go back to the
19th century. These batteries are very powerful and can certainly power up a
forklift for a long time, but the drawback is that the liquid needs a change
every once in a while.
Lithium-ion batteries are the more advanced technology used
in a battery. These batteries are commonly used in our everyday lives. They
were first commercialized in the 1990s. The chemistry used in these batteries
is different than the lead-acid batteries. They use Lithium Iron Phosphate
(LFP) to generate power. They are much more compact than the formerly-discussed
battery and is more energy-dense. They also don’t require water maintenance,
but the whole battery needs to be changed once it runs out.
For a more detailed comparison between the two batteries,
you can check the analytical infographic below.
Infographic by: fluxpower.com
