Lithium-Ion Batteries: Is it worth the investment?
Although not new to the forklift industry, there is a lot to be said about Lithium-Ion batteries. There are so many positives that come with this investment, it’s important to note and highlight what this could mean for you.
The point that comes up most often is the increase in efficiency and decrease in downtime waiting for batteries to re-charge. It takes minimal time (approximately 2.5 hours) to regain a full charge. This is said loosely, because depending on the intensity level of the job, the battery will be good to go after a quick recharge at lunch! What this means for forklift operators is that you don’t need to have another fully charged battery on standby.
Another benefit worth noting is that the power-level doesn’t go down when the battery charge level does, so you will have the same amount of power to complete the job until the battery loses complete charge. This consistent power is a game-changer, especially if you’ve ever been in the position of trying to finish a task with a dying battery.
Lithium-Ion is a much safer option than lead-acid particularly due to the lack of contact that operators have with the battery itself, meaning that chemical reactions/spills will no longer be a top safety concern. The Li-Ion batteries are completely sealed, making them (for the most part) maintenance-free and easy to clean. No more worrying about charging in temperature-controlled climates or watering the battery.
Overall, lead-acid batteries may cost you a fraction of the price, but they need to be replaced more frequently, involve more down time and are a greater safety hazard. Lithium-Ion seems to be a worthy investment – but if you’re still not convinced, contact us at Hansler to learn more about the advantages of a Li-Ion powered forklift.
