Batteries are an integral part of a forklift and, similar to any other parts of the machine, forklift battery replacement is a concern that needs to be done with care and attention.
With the range of forklift batteries found in the market, the main question that comes to mind is how much does forklift battery replacement Mississauga cost? Depending on the type of battery and the features that accompany each type, the price range will vary.
Here, we delve into the world of forklift batteries and the factors that affect their cost. Additionally, we explain ways to maintain your battery and reduce the additional expenses that accompany battery repairs.
Read more:”Forklift Maintenance Checklist | Complete Guide“
How much does it cost to replace a forklift battery?
According to their type, size, and technology, forklift battery replacement Mississauga can range from $2,000 up to $20,000. What causes the price range to vary is the type of battery, which can be either lead-acid or lithium, with the latter sitting in the upper price range.
For an estimate of the forklift battery replacement cost Mississauga, it is essential to consider the differences between lead-acid and lithium batteries, alongside the factors that cause these differences.
Below, we will look into the features that distinguish each type of battery and the factors that affect their price range.
Forklift Lead-Acid Battery
As the commonly used type of forklift battery, lead-acid batteries operate on a combination of sulfuric acid and water, which function as their liquid electrolyte. In comparison to lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries are more budget-friendly; however, it is still important to consider the constant maintenance of their liquid electrolyte.
Despite their pros, forklift lead-acid batteries are not exempt from their cons, which are,
- Short life span: Lead-acid batteries only last up to 1,500 cycles, with a minimum of 1,000 cycles
- Regular maintenance: Considering the importance of electrolyte levels in lead-acid batteries, watering and cleaning them must become a habit to prevent battery damage
- Weight: The heavy weight of this kind of battery can cause the forklift to lose efficiency
- Long charging span: Lead-acid batteries’ charging time will put a delay on the work, with an estimated time of 8 to 12 hours to charge
If affordability is not an issue for you and you wish to spend less time on maintaining the battery, forklift lithium batteries make a wonderful choice.
Forklift Lithium Battery
Compared to lead-acid batteries, forklift lithium batteries offer a variety of advantages, including,
- Longevity: Lithium batteries last longer than lead-acid batteries, with a lifespan of 2,500 to 3,000 cycles, minimizing the frequency of replacements.
- Compatibility: Lithium batteries are lighter in weight, making them a more efficient option
- Higher efficiency: These types of batteries offer more efficiency and a result-driven approach, helping forklift users to save energy and time
- Quicker charging: While lead-acid batteries take up to 12 hours to charge, lithium batteries speed up the work process with their 1 to 2 hours charging time
- Low-maintenance: With lithium forklift batteries, there is no need for watering and cleaning to extend the battery’s lifespan
Despite being a pricey option, a lithium battery comes with more appealing features; however, what determines your final decision is the extent of your budget and preferences.
What factors affect forklift battery replacement costs?
There are several factors relating to forklift maintenance that affect a battery’s lifespan. To make cost-wise decisions in terms of your battery replacement in Mississauga and your forklift parts, here’s what to consider,
- Frequent replacement of the battery: Battery maintenance and replacement frequency determine the costs and longevity of the battery. And if the battery is properly maintained, its lifespan can exceed the normal 1,600 charge cycles.
- Energy efficiency: With more energy-efficient batteries, the costs will be higher, but the results and energy savings will be more satisfactory. Despite their high price, lithium batteries are more sustainable and require less or no maintenance.
- Charging span: The quicker the charging span, the higher the cost. However, in workspaces where agility plays a crucial role in work speed, it is best to go for lithium batteries, which come with a much shorter charging time.
- Maintenance: Constant check-ups, cooling, cleaning, and watering the battery are a part of maintenance musts, which not only extend the battery’s life but also prevent unnecessary costs. In terms of watering your forklift battery, consider doing it once-a-week in case of regular use.
In a word, forklift battery pricing Mississugua depends on weighing your options between picking a lead-acid or a lithium battery, with the consideration of your budget, your time, and maintenance preferences.
How many years does a forklift battery last?
The best way for forklift battery maintenance Mississauga is through understanding your type of battery and studying the right ways to maintain it. Yet, the lifespan of a battery can vary depending on its usage. In general, there are three estimated lifespans for forklift batteries,
- New forklift batteries last from five to seven years.
- Refurbished forklift batteries have a lifespan of two to four years.
- Old and used forklift batteries have the shortest lifespan of one to three years.
When picking among new, used, and refurbished forklift batteries, consider the warranty and ensure finding the best forklift repair Mississauga to receive the best services. For budget-friendly and more sustainable options, refurbished and used forklift batteries make a great choice.
Moreover, make sure you choose the service providers for your forklift battery install Missssauga wisely to prevent any future defects or additional costs. And if you find yourself in a tight spot, consider forklift rentals as you tackle the challenges of fixing or replacing your battery.
If you are already familiar with the costs and care of battery replacement, but still have doubts about how to check your forklift battery health, it is time to learn more.
How to check forklift battery health?
To understand whether your forklift battery is in a poor condition or not, here are the signs of a declining battery health,
- Sulfation: When a battery receives less than a full charge, sulfate crystals build up in its pores and on its plates.
- Weak performance: Forklift performance or the dimness of lights can be an indication of battery problems.
- Battery drainage: Track how fast your forklift battery drains in comparison to its normal condition.
- Battery corrosion: Overlooking maintenance tips makes forklift batteries prone to corrosion, a shorter lifespan, and higher repair costs.
Once you become familiar with these signs, you might wonder if there are way to prevent them. Luckily, the next paragraphs explain how to maintain and care for your forklift battery.
Forklift battery maintenance: How to care for a forklift battery?
Lack or absence of forklift battery maintenance can lead to grave hazards in a workspace. And if not handled properly, batteries will cause chemical and thermal burns, explosions, electric shocks, or severed hands and feet.
After taking all the necessary precautionary measures, wearing safety gears, and equipping your workspace with a safety plan, disconnect your battery and start by checking,
- Battery case
- Cables
- Vent caps
- Connectors
We advise seeking a professional’s help for forklift battery service Mississauga, but if you are already familiar with the process, proceed with the following instructions.
Read more:”Forklift Dimensions“
Battery Case
Inspect the battery case for any signs of rust, corrosion, and sulfation. Once you are past this step,
- Use a brush to remove the debris from the already disconnected forklift battery.
- Apply an acid neutralizer to remove the residue.
- Make sure the surface of the battery case is thoroughly cleaned up.
- Rinse and check the battery case for any damage.
If battery case health is neglected overtime it will need a replacement.
Cables
Brittled or damaged cable insulation puts the labor force at risk of electric shock. So, to prevent such hazards, first seek an expert’s help and ask for a way to replace them.
Many cables and tips wear out due to improper temperature exposures, which leaves them in an undesired condition.
Vent Caps
In many cases, vent caps function as a cover for water inlets, and many neglect replacing them after the battery watering process. As a forklift user, you need to check for any missing vent caps and replace them with new ones.
Connectors
Connectors, whether plastic or inteercell are susceptible to deformation due to heat and rust, respectively. Therefore, it is important to check the connectors’ health and rely on a professional’s help for a replacement.
For further battery maintenance, educate yourself about the right charging methods for each type of battery.
What is the first thing to do when changing a forklift battery?
When planning on replacing your forklift battery, start with these steps,
- Free your workspace from work hazards
- Wear the appropriate safety gears including steel-toe shoes, gloves, and goggles.
- Disconnect the battery
- Lift the battery with the right tools to avoid physical injuries
- Ensure the correct installation of the battery by checking the placement and tightness or looseness of the connections
And if you lack expertise in this area, do not hesitate to learn about the preventive forklift maintenance in Mississauga or consult our 24-hour forklift repair Mississauga
Conclusion
Forklift batteries are the beating heart of the machine, and if neglected, the cost of their replacement will be high. Therefore, this article is your walkthrough to have an estimate of forklift repair Mississauga cost and helps you understand how to maintain and extend a battery’s life.
Whether it’s sales, repair services, or your concern about the best forklift brands, be it Nissan or others, for the best service, Forklift Toronto has you covered.
Contact us today to learn about our services and offers.