Forklift Batteries -- How To Choose A Good One
In most cases, businesses using forklifts in an indoors environment, have forklift units which are powered by an electric motor. These forklifts require power to be supplied by a forklift battery. Choosing one is not always an easy and straightforward task. Why are forklifts designed to be used indoors usually equipped with an electric motor? There are several reasons -- first among them, is that an electric motor is quiet, and that is an important consideration when using a forklift indoors. Another reason for equipping indoor forklifts with electric engines is that they will not give off the noxious fumes as a combustion engine will -- and you won't have the extra fuel expense either. An example of a premier forklift battery company is GB Industrial Forklift Batteries. All forklift batteries from GB Industrial are shipped fully charged -- and that's important, because it minimizes downtime due to re-charging of a newly-delivered battery. GB Industrial forklift batteries are constructed to be vibration resistant, and are able to operate at lower temperatures, giving your forklift batteries longer life. They manufacture both 5-year heavy-duty, and 7-year extended duty forklift batteries. Of course one of the biggest issues with forklift batteries is that they must be periodically recharged. These forklift batteries are very similar in design to the type used in automobiles (but they are more powerful). A typical forklift battery should give you enough "juice" to last through a typical workday -- about eight hours. This means that if you are running multiple production shifts at your location, you will either need to purchase several different forklifts, or be able to swap out your forklift batteries for ones that have been freshly charged. An innovative product comes to us from the Johnson List/HYSTER Company. One of their products are called "Smartpacks." Smartpacks are forklift batteries that come with their own onboard charger -- you simply plug them into a typical 120 V AC electrical outlet and begin charging. As these forklift batteries come with their own charger, you will not need to purchase any other equipment or install a separate forklift battery charging stand. By the way, if you do decide to make use of a forklift battery charging stand, you must take special precautions to install it in a safe location. A forklift battery charging stand should always be located in a place which is completely dry (water and electricity don't mix!). As well, your forklift battery charging stand should be located in a well-ventilated area, and should not be subject to temperature extremes. Keep in mind that if your electric forklift requires the use of several different batteries, you may find it useful -- or even necessary -- to purchase a small hoist or crane to lift your forklift batteries out of your forklift and onto the charging station. |
