The alternate title of this post could be, “how to avoid paying double for your forklift battery.” When uninformed buyers choose a cheap battery with no warranty, they inevitably end up buying a second battery - the right battery - a short while later.
Before you spend a few thousand dollars on a battery, take a few moments to learn how to choose the right battery for your forklift and important questions to ask.
5 Things to Know Before Buying a Forklift Battery
First, collect some stats about your forklift to ensure you get a battery that fits in your battery compartment and provides the correct amount of power. We can also help you find a battery with the right specifications.
What voltage can your lift truck use? Forklifts can use either 36-volt or 48-volt batteries, be sure to confirm what your lift truck can handle. The wrong choice can cause severe damage to your equipment.
Measure the battery compartment dimensions Write down the size of the battery compartment in millimeters (width, depth, and height). Important: measure the size of the compartment, not the size of the old battery.
What is the amp-hour capacity of the battery? Check the ampere-hour (Ah) capacity rating on your current battery. To get the maximum power and run time, choose the highest-rated amp hour battery approved for your lift truck that can fit in the battery compartment.
Confirm the minimum counterweight requirement Check the forklift's data plate or owner’s manual to confirm the minimum battery weight. Installing an underweight battery can cause stability issues and is extremely dangerous.
Check the connector type, cable position, and cable lengths You'll need to know:
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Where the battery plugs into the forklift
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How long the battery cable needs to be (when in doubt, choose longer cables)
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The color and position of the connectors