A Guide to Selecting Lead-Acid Batteries for Forklifts and Practical Tips

Time：2025-08-01 09:16:35

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This article starts from actual needs and compiles a practical purchasing guide to help you avoid traps and precisely match your equipment requirements.

In the field of industrial logistics, forklifts, as core equipment for material handling, the stability of their power sources directly affects operational efficiency. Lead-acid batteries, due to their moderate cost and mature technology, remain the preferred power solution for most forklifts. However, the quality of products on the market varies greatly. How can one choose a compatible and durable battery? This article starts from actual needs and compiles a practical purchasing guide to help you avoid traps and precisely match your equipment requirements.
1. Clarify the core parameters to lay the foundation for purchase
The first step in purchasing lead-acid batteries for forklifts is to precisely match the basic parameters of the equipment, which directly determines whether the battery can be installed normally and operate efficiently.
1. Voltage and Capacity: The "Basic Threshold" for Equipment operation
The voltage specifications of forklifts are fixed, commonly including 12V, 24V, 48V, 80V, etc. They must be exactly the same as the nominal voltage of the battery; otherwise, the motor or controller may be burned out. The capacity needs to be calculated based on the working intensity of the forklift, with the unit being ampere-hours (Ah). The larger the capacity, the longer the battery life.
It should be noted here that a larger capacity is not necessarily better. Excessive capacity will increase the weight of the battery, which may exceed the load-bearing design of the forklift and also raise the procurement cost. It is recommended to refer to the "Recommended Battery Parameters" in the forklift manual or roughly estimate through the calculation formula: Required capacity (Ah) = Average working current of the forklift (A) × daily working hours × 1.2 (redundancy factor).
2. Size and weight: Suitable for installation space
The size of the battery compartment varies among different brands and models of forklifts. Before purchasing, it is necessary to measure the length, width and height of the cabin to ensure that the battery can be placed smoothly, and at the same time reserve 5-10cm of heat dissipation space. In terms of weight, it needs to match the counterweight design of the forklift. If it is too light, it may cause the forklift to have an unstable center of gravity during operation, increasing safety hazards. Excessive weight will accelerate tire wear and increase energy consumption.
2. Pay attention to performance details to enhance the user experience
After the parameters are matched, the performance details of the battery will directly affect its service life and maintenance cost. The following three indicators need to be carefully examined.
1. Cycle life: The core factor determining the cost of use
Cycle life refers to the complete number of times a battery is fully charged, discharged to the terminal voltage, and then fully charged again. It is a key indicator for measuring durability. The cycle life of high-quality lead-acid batteries is usually 800 to 1,200 times, while that of inferior products may only be 300 to 500 times. If charged and discharged once a day, high-quality products can be used for 2 to 3 years, while inferior ones may need to be replaced every year. In the long run, it is actually more cost-effective.
A tip for judging cycle life: Check the "Deep cycle test data" in the product inspection report and give priority to choosing batteries with thickened plates and high-density active materials. These products have stronger anti-degradation capabilities.
2. Discharge performance: Capable of withstanding high-intensity operations
When forklifts are moving heavy objects or climbing slopes, they need batteries to provide high current discharge. High-quality batteries can discharge stably in an environment ranging from -15 ℃ to 40℃, and the voltage drops slowly during high current discharge, ensuring stable power output. The "Cold Start Current (CCA)" index can be used to assist in the judgment. The higher this value, the stronger the instantaneous discharge capacity in low-temperature environments, making it suitable for northern winter or cold storage operation scenarios.
3. Safety: Avoid potential risks
Lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid electrolyte inside. If the seal is not good, leakage may occur, which not only corrodes the components of forklifts but also poses safety hazards. When purchasing, it is necessary to confirm whether the battery adopts a "leak-proof structure", such as sealed terminal posts, thickened casing, etc. In addition, safety designs such as overcharge protection and short-circuit protection should not be overlooked. High-quality products are equipped with built-in safety devices to reduce the risk of fire during the charging process.
3. Frequently Asked Questions: Eliminating Purchasing Doubts
1. Which one should I choose, an original battery or a third-party brand?
Many users believe that original batteries must be better, but the actual situation needs to be viewed dialectically. The original battery does indeed have a higher compatibility with forklifts, but its price is usually 30% to 50% higher than that of third-party brands. If third-party brands can provide products with the same parameters as the original ones and have formal test reports and after-sales services, the cost performance will be higher. It is recommended to give priority to brands that have been deeply involved in the industrial battery field for more than five years. The technological maturity and quality control of such enterprises are more guaranteed.
2. How to determine if a battery is refurbished?
Refurbished batteries are a common "trap" in the market. On the surface, they look no different from new batteries, but their lifespan may only be one third of that of new batteries. There are three identification methods: First, check if the casing has any signs of wear or secondary packaging. The casing of a new battery is smooth and the markings are clear. Second, check the terminal posts. The terminal posts of new batteries have no oxidation marks, while those of refurbished batteries may have residual electrolyte corrosion marks. Thirdly, it is required that the merchant provide the date of manufacture. The shelf life of lead-acid batteries is usually 12 months. If it has been more than 6 months since manufacture, it is recommended to purchase with caution.
4. Purchasing Channels and After-sales Service: Ensure long-term use
1. Give priority to direct supply from the manufacturer or authorized dealers
By purchasing directly from the manufacturer or through authorized dealers, you can avoid buying counterfeit goods and enjoy complete after-sales support. Although some products from small workshops are low in price, they lack quality inspection and after-sales service. Once problems arise, it is difficult to protect one's rights. When purchasing, please ask for a formal invoice and product qualification certificate, and keep the warranty certificate well.
2. Attach importance to the after-sales service terms
The maintenance of lead-acid batteries requires professional knowledge. High-quality brands will offer free installation, regular inspection and other services. When making a purchase, please confirm whether on-site maintenance is provided? How to handle quality problems that occur during the warranty period? These details can significantly reduce the subsequent usage troubles.
Summary: Make scientific purchases and balance cost and efficiency
When choosing lead-acid batteries for forklifts, the key lies in "matching demands, paying attention to details, and taking after-sales service into account". First, clarify the basic requirements of the forklift such as voltage, capacity and space. Then, screen the products based on indicators such as cycle life, discharge performance and safety. Finally, make a decision in combination with the reliability of the channel and after-sales service. Remember, price is not the only criterion. Only by choosing products that can stably support operational demands and have a longer lifespan can we truly reduce long-term operating costs and keep forklifts running efficiently at all times.

Statement: The articles on this site are written by the GSGT team or reprinted from other media or compiled by AI.No reproduction without permission.For copyright or other issues, please contact:gsgtpower@163.com.

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