Purchasing refurbished forklift batteries can significantly reduce operational costs while minimizing the time and money spent on external services. However, a battery’s quality depends on several factors:
Reliability
Reliability is the probability that an asset or equipment will function as intended over a given period and under defined conditions. A forklift battery will continue to perform the essential function of powering your materials handling operations without failing.
Several factors beyond the numbers and images on a spec sheet determine a forklift battery’s reliability. For example, a forklift battery’s Ah capacity, chemistry, charging speed set-up, protection from the weather or improper treatment by inexperienced lift truck operators, and even its weight (it acts as an additional counterweight for your forklift) all play into a battery’s reliability.
When purchasing refurbished batteries for your forklifts, look for a manufacturer that offers customizable battery models that can be adapted to meet specific lift truck and material handling requirements. This will allow you to select the model that fits your needs without sifting through 400-500 battery SKUs. Lithium batteries also charge faster and do not require a cooling down period, further enhancing their reliability.
Warranty
The forklift battery must deliver consistent performance. The battery’s capacity must match the forklift’s requirements and the type of warehouse operations. A thorough on-site study by a forklift battery expert will help narrow the battery options.
Whether the batteries are refurbished or new, proper care impacts their lifespans. Following the manufacturer’s safety protocols and maintenance recommendations will help maximize battery performance.
Reconditioned forklift batteries are often a great option for warehouses seeking cost-cutting measures that don’t compromise quality work. A forklift battery that a battery manufacturer has reconditioned typically goes through several tests, such as cleaning and desulfation, to ensure the quality of its product. Some battery manufacturers also offer extended warranties on their reconditioned forklift batteries, which provide peace of mind and a return on investment for warehouses. Some contracts may be a limited-time full replacement; others include a prorated warranty for the battery’s remaining life based on age. Some warranties may also exclude shipping and handling charges. A battery with a longer warranty will likely be a better value.
Price
A new battery can be a costly investment for warehouses. To cut costs, some companies choose to purchase reconditioned batteries. However, a lower price tag doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality. Reconditioned batteries undergo a series of tests to ensure high quality. These tests include cleaning, desulfation, and charging. They are also tested to ensure they perform as needed for your warehouse. Ultimately, these batteries are just as good as a new one. When purchasing refurbished batteries, you need to be aware of the type of battery and its compatibility with your existing equipment. This includes the battery compartment size, voltage, and load weights. Moreover, it’s important to consider whether the battery can handle environmental temperatures. Lastly, if you’re considering buying a refurbished battery, it’s best to ask about the warranty the supplier offers. This will help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
Size
Taking forklift batteries for granted is easy – they’re the power source that helps lift your warehouse loads. But they’re complex machinery, and understanding how to select the right battery for your warehouse can significantly impact uptime and operational costs. To choose the correct refurbished battery for your forklift, consider the forklift’s application requirements, including operating hours and travel distance, load weights and typical lifting heights, and environmental temperatures. It’s also important to consider the forklift’s engine type and battery compartment size.
For example, a 36-volt lead-acid battery has a higher ampere-hour capacity than a 48-volt lithium forklift battery because of its voltage. Also, when comparing batteries, it’s important to consider their kilowatt-hour (kW-hr) capacity, which is the ability to deliver energy over time. Lithium forklift batteries can be charged in 15-30-minute spurts, called opportunity charging – allowing them to be recharged during breaks, lunch, and anytime the forklift is idle for a few minutes throughout the day. This means you can avoid constantly swapping batteries and reducing your total cost of ownership.
Weight
Purchasing used forklift batteries offers several advantages, especially to warehouses with tight budgets. The upfront cost is significantly less than buying brand-new equipment. Additionally, businesses can rent batteries for peak seasonal uses and return them during less busy months, reducing the amount of money spent on unnecessary equipment.
When choosing a refurbished battery, it is essential to consider the weight offered by the manufacturer. A higher weight can result in a more robust battery, an advantage in heavy-duty applications. It can also be helpful to determine if the battery is UL or IEC certified, which ensures that the equipment meets specific safety standards.
Lithium-ion batteries are virtually maintenance-free, unlike lead-acid forklift batteries requiring frequent maintenance. This reduces labor costs as workers don’t need to remove the batteries from the forklift and swap them as they operate throughout the day.
