Forklift batteries made from lithium are rapidly becoming the first choice for material handling equipment, forklifts, and airport ground support equipment in multi-shift warehouse applications. We are committed to helping you find the most efficient and cost-effective battery options for your application. Our systems provide a solution for where you need to be now, as well as where you want to be in the future.
With industry-leading forklifts and complementary technologies, we help our customers be as productive and energy-efficient as possible.
Forklift batteries are carefully selected and specified for optimum compatibility with each individual truck and its application requirements, just like all components. The yale forklift battery industry leader, we are ready to adopt new component technologies as soon as they become viable.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries now offer a realistic alternative to lead-acid batteries, particularly in high-energy, multi-shift, 24/7 operations.
Considering today's improved performance and affordability, we have added Li-ion batteries as a forklift battery alternative. They will be offered on certain trucks whenever they make sense economically and practically.
Is LI-ION right for you?
The big question is whether those benefits – in your situation – are sufficient to justify the large difference in purchase price. Li-ion batteries offer tremendous advantages over traditional lead-acid lift truck batteries. Below are some key factors to consider when assessing total cost of ownership (TCO).
● Lithium-ion lift truck batteries save money over lead-acid batteries
● These include savings on energy, equipment, labor, and downtime.
● Longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries - reduces overall forklift battery expenses
● Higher efficiency – energy losses during charging and discharging are around 30% lower, so electricity consumption is reduced.
● Longer runtime – due to higher energy capacity and lower losses, as well as more efficient regenerative braking
● Consistently high performance – with a more constant voltage curve – maintains greater truck productivity, even toward the end of a shift
● Faster charging and opportunity charging - full charge in 1 to 2 hours - enable top-ups during short breaks without damaging the battery.
● No battery changing – fast charging capabilities enable continuous operation with just one battery and minimize the need to buy, store and maintain spares
● No maintenance – the battery stays on board the truck for charging and there is no need for top-ups or electrolyte checks
● Gas-free - no battery room, ventilation system, or running costs
● Intelligent battery management system (BMS) prevents excessive discharge, charge, voltage, and temperature, while virtually eliminating application errors.
Extra costs associated with lithium-ion batteries
● Lithium-ion battery purchase prices are higher, though they are expected to decrease as production volumes increase.
Lithium-ion lift truck batteries offer additional advantages over lead-acid batteries
Battery safety and environmental advantages should not be your only consideration when choosing lithium-ion batteries.
● Greater safety - no explosive gas, no acid spills, and no regular battery handling
● Reduced carbon footprint - better efficiency means less energy consumption, and longer battery life means more batteries can be manufactured with less resources
WHAT IS the best way to recycle lithium-ion batteries?
The contents of lithium-ion batteries are not as toxic as other battery types, so recycling them is easier and safer. They can be recycled in regular bins, but not in regular bins. Due to the flammable electrolyte and pressurized contents of these batteries, they have the potential to ignite and burst into flames, as lithium is highly reactive.
When lithium-ion batteries are stored in dry recycling trucks near flammable items like paper and cardboard, they are at risk of self-combustion. Lithium-ion batteries can self-combust under pressure or heat, which is why they are so common in recycling trucks.
THE USE OF EFFICIENT BATTERIES IMPROVES WORKSHOP PRODUCTIVITY
The type of industrial battery you choose will have a significant impact on the efficiency of your company if your business relies on forklifts – whether you have just one forklift or an entire fleet. You could save a lot of money and time by choosing the right electric forklift battery, reducing your margins and increasing profits in the long run.
Many forklift fleets that use battery-powered forklifts face the problem of having three batteries for each forklift they operate: a battery to be used in the forklift, a fully charged standby battery, and a charger battery. When batteries need to be changed, this is the traditional way to avoid excessive downtime.
Nevertheless, dismounting the battery from the forklift battery suppliers, loading the standby battery, and replacing the battery with the depleted battery still reduces the forklift operator's productivity.
You can improve efficiency by using eco-friendly, highly efficient batteries that last longer per charge and do not take as much time to charge, so you don't need to keep as many on hand.
