forklift battery

electric counterbalanced

Capacity
Rated between 1,500 to 12,000 pounds of load capacity, electric counterbalanced Class I forklifts are kept stable by a heavy weight on the non-lifting end of the forklift. Typically the industrial battery that provides power to it is located there. Available in three- and four-wheeled versions, these forklifts serve different purposes, depending on the specific application needs.

Varieties
Three-wheeled electric forklifts are commonly used indoors on smooth floors in warehouses and order fulfillment distribution centers, with a load capacity of 1,500 to 4,000 pounds. Typically they have cushioned tires, unlike those forklifts that use pneumatic tires for the outdoors and rough terrain.

By comparison, a four-wheeled Class I sit-down lift truck is rated for between 3,000 to 12,000 pounds and can use different types of batteries that require a charger to match. For example, depending on the forklift’s voltage, you may choose a 24-volt, 36-volt, or 48-volt battery charger for heavy equipment.

Applications and Industries
This type of electric forklift is rated for freezer use and can be used in material handling, paper and packaging, shelf-stable food and beverage, manufacturing, and distribution/3PL industries. If you have an electric counterbalanced forklift that you’d like to use in cold temperatures, lithium-ion forklift batteries (rather than lead-acid) are a great option for this application.

How to choose forklift batteries for Class I applications
When you are selecting a Class I forklift battery, you’ll want to take a few things into account. Among these is the size of your lead-acid battery compartment, the voltage of your forklift’s electrical system, which may be powered by a 24-volt forklift battery, 36-volt forklift battery, or 48-volt forklift battery, etc. The type of battery that you choose determines whether you can keep your forklift operating efficiently and effectively.

In many situations, this comes down to a simple comparison of different types of electric forklift batteries. Wet-cell battery packs (commonly referred to as lead-acid batteries) must be charged with a heavy-duty truck battery charger for much longer, hold less energy, and take longer to charge. They can only be recommended for single-shift light operations.

Lithium-ion batteries, which last much longer, are able to charge more quickly with opportunity charging. They hold significantly more power than their lead-acid precursors, especially in demanding applications such as food and beverage, paper and packaging, and 24/7 distribution centers known for heavy loads and multiple-shift operations.

For more on how to choose the right battery for your forklift, see the Battery Selector page.