PROLAKER BATTERY

How to buy a good lead-acid battery?

    Lead-acid batteries, with their low initial cost and wide adaptability, remain the mainstream choice for small and medium-sized warehouses and low-intensity operations. However, product quality varies widely on the market, and blindly purchasing can easily lead to problems such as inflated capacity, reduced lifespan, and safety hazards. This article will guide you through the four dimensions of "clarifying needs, core specifications, key purchasing considerations, and pitfall avoidance" to help you rationally purchase lead-acid forklift batteries and avoid pitfalls.

 1 . Clarify 2 “basic needs” to avoid buying the wrong model

(1)To confirm the forklift's "compatibility parameters" (critical! Avoid size/voltage mismatches),

you must obtain three key data from the forklift's manual or nameplate. These are the "hard criteria" for purchasing:

•Voltage: The forklift's motor voltage determines the battery voltage. Common specifications are 48V, 60V, and 72V (for example, 2-ton electric counterbalanced forklifts are mostly 48V, while forklifts over 3 tons are mostly 60V/72V).

A voltage mismatch can directly burn out the motor.

•Capacity: This is calculated based on the average daily operating hours. The formula is: Required battery capacity (Ah) = Forklift hourly power consumption (Ah/h) × Average daily operating hours (h) × 1.2 (redundancy factor).
For example, if a forklift consumes 30Ah per hour and operates for an average of 5 hours per day, a battery with a capacity of 30 × 5 × 1.2 = 180Ah should be selected to prevent power outages.

•Dimensions and Weight: The battery compartment has a fixed space. You must confirm the "length × width × height" (e.g., 500mm × 300mm × 400mm) and the maximum load capacity (lead-acid batteries typically weigh 200-400kg). 

Oversized batteries will not fit, and excessive weight will affect the forklift's stability.

(2)Determine the "operation intensity" (which determines the battery discharge performance requirements).

For low-intensity operations (average daily operations <4 hours, such as loading and unloading in a small warehouse):

Select a battery with a "regular discharge rate (1C)" (1C means the full capacity can be discharged in 1 hour, which meets the power requirements for normal operations).

For medium-intensity operations (average daily operations 4-6 hours, such as medium-sized logistics points):

Select a battery with a "1.2C discharge rate" to avoid overheating caused by prolonged operation.

Note: Lead-acid batteries are not suitable for "ultra-high-frequency operations (average daily operations >8 hours)." If this scenario is required, it is recommended to prioritize lithium batteries or prepare two sets of lead-acid batteries for rotational charging.

 2 . Focus on 4 "core parameters" to judge battery quality

Parameters are the "instructions" for battery performance. Pay special attention to the following four items to avoid being misled by "falsely labeled parameters":

•Capacity (Ah): Reject "falsely labeled" batteries.
•Cycle Life (Cycles): Prefer lead-acid batteries with a rating of "1200 cycles or more."
•Plate Material: Select "lead-calcium alloy plates" and reject "recycled lead plates."
•Identification Method: High-quality batteries are heavier (at the same capacity, lead-calcium alloy plates are 5%-10% heavier than recycled lead batteries) and have no noticeable deformation or scratches on the outer shell.

 3 . 3 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: Reject Refurbished and Mislabeled Products

There are many refurbished and mislabeled lead-acid batteries on the market. Learn how to identify them:

•Check the "Manufacture Date":

Avoid batteries that have been in stock for over a year. Lead-acid batteries have a characteristic of self-discharge, and the longer they are in stock, the more severe their capacity degradation (a battery that has been in stock for a year may experience a 15%-20% capacity drop).

•Identification:

The manufacture date is usually marked on the battery casing or certificate (e.g., "2024.05.10"). Choose products marked "manufactured within three months" and avoid products that have been in stock for over a year. 

Identifying "Refurbished Batteries": Check the outer casing, terminals, and certificate of conformity. Refurbished batteries are often "old batteries with replaced outer casings and repaired plates." Key identification points:
Casing: Poor surface gloss, obvious signs of polishing, and blurred production date and brand logos.
Terminals: Oxidation marks on the terminals (new battery terminals are silvery white and unoxidized).
Certificate of conformity: Rough paper, unrecognizable anti-counterfeiting label
 

•Regarding "After-sales Service":

Clarify the "Warranty Scope + Repair Timeframe." High-quality brand lead-acid batteries often offer a "one-year free warranty" (free replacement or repair for leaks, bulges, or a 20% capacity drop during the warranty period). Also clarify:Whether the warranty covers "man-made damage" (failures caused by over-discharge or unauthorized disassembly are not covered)

Believe that you must have understood how to choose the right lead-acid battery. If you have any needs now, please contact us and we will give you the best solution.

Please note that when choosing a battery, you also need to match it with a suitable charger. If you are interested, please watch the next issue, "Forklift Battery Selection"