What are The Benefits of Using a Lithium-ion Battery for a Forklift?

Today, companies are transitioning to alternative energy solutions like lithium-ion batteries for forklifts. They are discarding the traditional lead acid battery, which was once a great option. Though lithium-ion forklift batteries cost more, their advantages outweigh the cost. The initial battery investment will offer you higher returns and many more benefits. Let’s explore the benefits and advantages of the lithium-ion forklift batteries here.

• Less maintenance
  The major drawback of lead acid batteries is they require a lot of maintenance. You need to water it daily, and acid spills are common. It typically increases the labour cost, time and energy to maintain it. On the other hand, lithium-ion battery requires no maintenance, thus resulting in reduced labour needs and warehouse costs. Also these lithium-ion batteries give optimum performance and long lasting benefits.
• You can charge the lithium-ion battery whenever possible
  A major benefit of such batteries is they are designed for the ease of the user. The warehouse owner can fully charge the battery in less than 2 hours within the facility. The easy exchange facilities of these lithium-ion batteries attract more customers to go with their forklifts batteries.
• They are more efficient
  The lithium ion forklift battery is more efficient than the lead acid battery because lead acid batteries experience degradation if charged excessively. However, the lithium-ion battery will stay in good shape irrespective of how they are charged.
• They last long
  Another reason people have transcended to lithium-ion battery forklift batteries is that they work for a longer period and have higher runtimes than lead acid batteries. Lithium batteries will last four times more than lead-acid batteries. There is no drop in the discharge cycle, and the forklift will work like it did when it started. However, lead batteries experience a voltage drop of 20% of the power. The extended life span of Li-ion batteries helps the forklift to work seamlessly and stay productive. Your team will perform more, and you don't have to pause or change the battery.
• They are covered by warranty
  The lithium battery for forklifts comes with a longer warranty than lead-acid batteries. Hence, you don't have to worry about battery performance.
• Safe for workers
  Many safety hazards pose a danger to workers, especially forklifts using lead-acid batteries. Taking a heavy battery out and replacing it with a newly charged one increases the damage to the equipment and the person operating it. Accidental acid spills are the most common incident. The lithium-ion batteries outweigh the costs by safeguarding the workers and providing them extra protection. Moreover, you don't need to change the battery often, and there is no risk of accidental acid spills. Since there is no gassing during the charging process, the battery will not emit harmful fumes that impact your warehouse environment.
• It requires less power to charge the batteries
  The forklift lithium-ion battery will get charged soon and require less power, reducing energy use and saving electricity since the combustion engine will emit no fumes during the charging; hence it is safe for the environment. On the other hand, lead acid batteries are made from lead and sulphuric acid; hence they pose a danger and risk to the employees if not handled well. Improper maintenance can cause a fluid spill. Also, the charging station needs to be closed and vented as the battery will emit fumes when it charges.
• No additional battery room is needed
  Another benefit of using lithium-ion batteries is that you don't need a dedicated space for storage and maintenance. In the lead-acid system, you require a battery room where the battery is placed and charged, and during this charging time, it emits dangerous fumes, so the room needs to be well-ventilated, thus increasing the costs.
  The lithium-ion battery does not have a gassing problem, and you can charge anywhere; there is no need for a specific dedicated, well-ventilated storage room. You can charge it in your facility also. Thus it lowers your operating costs and increases the productivity of the workers.
• Soft on environment
  Come on, we all know how the environment is getting degraded by our poor choices. If you want your warehouse to be environmentally sustainable, selecting the lithium-ion battery for forklift trucks is a great choice. They are better than a lead acid battery and do not cause damage to the warehouse, workers and overall environment. They are more energy efficient than lead acid batteries and do not emit harmful gases during the charging process. Switching to lithium-ion batteries for forklifts will reduce your carbon footprint also.
• 10. It does not contain toxic gases
  Acid spills are also harmful to the environment, which happens with lead-acid batteries. Since Li-ion batteries do not contain toxic gases or harmful substances, it is safe for employees and the environment.
• It saves your overall cost
  Lithium Ion battery helps the warehouse increase uptime and saves energy bills and money. While, to be transparent, it may cost more upfront; its benefits make it a worthwhile investment. If we do the calculations, the total cost of ownership is less than the lead acid battery.

How will it save you cost?

• You don't need to maintain Li-ion batteries, thus saving your labour cost.
• You don't require cleaning up the battery and charging it after every shift; this reduces your time and operational cost.
• It lasts longer than a lead acid battery; hence the workers will focus on important tasks and stay proactive the entire day.
• Since it is energy efficient, it saves your utility bills too.
• You don't need a dedicated space or well-ventilated room to charge the battery. Thus, saving your storage cost.

Concluding thoughts

While the lead acid battery is a traditional choice, the Li-ION battery is a sartorial choice among warehouse managers. Though the traditional battery may cost less, it will not help you maximise effectiveness in the long run. Hence, we advise you to swap to Li-ion batteries for a forklift because these batteries require less monitoring and maintenance and can hold battery abuse too. Contact to Orizen Group in South Africa to buy the best forklift batteries and other forklift accessories at great price.

How to Choose the Best Forklift Battery in South Africa?

 After determining Forklift Battery size, the next important thing to consider is which type of Electric forklift batteries you want to use for your forklift. Electric forklifts are powered by these two types of batteries that give optimum performance for the material handling equipments-

• Lead acid
• Lithium-ion

What is a Lithium Ion Forklift Battery?

Lithium-ion batteries were introduced in the 1990s in a commercial for the Sony camcorder. It uses various chemicals to power up the forklift. Lithium forklift batteries are energy-efficient and compact in comparison with lead-acid forklift batteries.

There are many advantages of lithium-ion batteries. They are-

• Fast charging
  One of the good things is they can be recharged fast, within two hours.
• Consistent power
  They provide constant power when the forklift is in use.
• Low Maintenance
  You don’t require water, clean, or equalize the Lithium forklift battery.
• Opportunity Charging
  It can be opportunity charged in any setting.

Though the lithium-ion battery is a bit more expensive than its counterpart lead acid battery, it’s because of the advantages it delivers to the user. The Lithium-ion batteries give high performance to the forklifts and last for long time if maintain it properly.

What is the Lead Acid Battery?

They generate power using electricity through a chain of chemical reactions. The lead acid battery is the most common type of forklift battery. They are easy on the pocket than a lithium-ion battery. Lead acid forklift batteries rely on chemicals reaction to generate electricity for powering up forklifts, so they need regular maintenance and must be properly charged. Also, it has inconsistent power, which means the battery doesn’t deliver the same power level when the forklift is being used.

Forklift Battery Life Cycle -

The cost of the battery is also one of the business expenses you need to deal. How often forklift workers change batteries depends on the battery type you use in a forklift. Lithium-ion forklift batteries and Lead acid offer a different number of cycles.

• Lead acid forklift battery- 1000-1500 cycles
• Lithium ion battery- 3500 cycles

These are the average number of cycles per battery. The lifespan of a battery depends upon the maintenance and how it is being used. Lithium-ion battery needs fewer changes than a lead acid battery.

Forklift Battery Capacity Maintenance -

No matter what battery is in your forklift, it is important to maintain them for them to perform at their full potential. To maximize battery life and capacity, one must take a few measures. Lead acid forklift battery is a little more maintenance than lithium forklift batteries. You need to equalize the lead acid battery from time to time and kept in a suggested temperature range for better working life. Water level management is necessary for this battery type. You must check the water level once every 10-15 charging cycles.

On the other hand, Lithium forklift battery requires no low maintenance as they can equalize automatically, don’t need any water level management, and works well at high temperature.

Orizen Group deals in forklift batteries and other wide ranges of material handling equipment solutions, and forklift accessories that are long-lasting and affordable. Each of our material handling equipment solutions is by the most trusted brands in the industry in South Africa. Let your forklifts run fine for more time with high quality lithium-ion batteries from Orizen Group, South Africa.

What Are The Types Of Forklift Tyres Available In The Market?

 The forklift tyres are an essential part of the forklift. It is the only point in contact with the surface and affects its safety, maintenance, and handling. Choosing the correct type of forklift tire for application maximizes the performance and service life of the tire. Each type of tire is designed for specific application and usage. And, it is necessary to consider their work environment and conditions before the purchase. Here we have described the types of tires used in forklifts.

Types of Forklift Tyres

There are three types of basic forklift tyres-

• Solid Pneumatic Tires-
  Solid forklift tyres are entirely made of substantial rubber. They are constructed by using layered rubber without any hollow internal cavity. They are the most common tires used today. Solid forklift tyres are best for sites with nails and broken glass on the ground but can be used for outdoor and indoor applications. This forklift tyre is puncture resistant or any damage from a sharp object.
• Pneumatic Tires-
  Pneumatic forklift tyres are made of rubber and packed with compressed air, as we find in car or truck tires. They offer high performance and are versatile. They can be used for indoor and heavy-duty outdoor applications. They come with deep tread, deliver a substantial grip on rough terrain and uneven surfaces, and are suitable for lumber yards, construction sites, and warehouses.
• Cushion-
  Cushion forklift tyres are somewhat similar to solid forklift tyres and don’t require compressed air to function. They are directly attached to the wheels. These tyres are made of natural rubber compounds, reducing cutting and chunking. They are inexpensive and can be used in internal and electric combustion forklifts. They are used for paved and indoor applications and don’t suit outdoor applications.

Specific Forklift tyres-

• Fiberglass Forklift tires-
  This specialty forklift tyre has high resistance to heat effect on a cushion or solid forklift tyres. They last longer than any other type of forklift tire.
• Polyurethane Forklift Tyre-
  They have a longer life than cushion, soli, or pneumatic tires but are only proposed for indoor application with little or no debris. They are a better choice than rubber tires if the forklift is used moving heavy loads indoors. Their chemical-resistant property makes them a good option for spaces where the chemical is used regularly.
• Anti-static / Static Resistant Forklift Tire-
  Static resistant forklift tires are designed to avoid static discharge. Some industries deal in high explosives and combustive materials, and static electricity around them risks giving fumes to them. This forklift tyre is used in such an industry.
• Walnut Winter Tires-
  They are cold-prepped tires with walnut surfacing to prevent the effects of cold temperature/surface on tires. Walnut winter tires ensure the better movement of forklifts when carrying heavy loads without any risk involved in cold temperatures.

Where to Buy Solid Forklift Tyres?

It is important to explore all considerations before investing in tyres. Solid forklift tyres are designed for specific needs with high-quality rubber material. Orizen Group brings a wide range of solid tyres for the forklift to enhance its operations and safety, with minimum maintenance required. We interact with a wide range of customers to develop forklift products that assure optimal operating efficiency, safety, and dependability, at affordable cost. The Orizen Group is pioneer in South Africa providing high quality electric forklifts equipments including forklifts batteries, forklifts tyres, forklift battery chargers, forklifts battery management systems and other forklifts accessories with great price. Check out our wide collection of electric forklift solutions today, or call us at: +27 83 508 4897 for more details.

Benefits of Regular Forklift Repair and Maintenance Services, South Africa

 Like regular vehicles, forklift repair and maintenance services are essential for their smooth running. Without the necessary precautions, it may turn to be a dangerouspiece of machinery and compromise the safety and security of the workers. Here are two broad reasons you should carry regular maintenance on your forklifts.

• A well-maintained forklift will cause fewer fatalities and injuries.
• The preventive forklift repair services will reduce downtime.

Here we have elucidated the benefits of forklift repair and maintenance services in South Africa. Let’s explore the major advantages and insights of quality forklifts repair and maintenance services in South Africa.

• Lesser chance of breakdown
  If you want to prevent accidents, forklift repair services are a must. These services ensure that machines can run smoothly. However, if the machine is neglected, it will break down, thus creating the need for replacement and putting owners at risk.
• You can identify the potential problems
  Inspecting the forklift daily before putting it in use will help you to spot the problems early like a leaky hose, poor brakes, etc. these checks are necessary; otherwise, and they will impede the use of the forklift and make it dangerous for the employee and organisation. The best way to identify future forklifts problems is to conduct a standard check before every shift. Some elements that need a check are.
  • Hoses
  • Tire pressure
  • Seat Belt
  • Fluid level
  • Fork and overhead performance
  By adhering to the forklift maintenance schedule and daily inspections, you can nip unnecessary problems in the bud to save your time, money and other resources.
• The smooth running of the tires
  The tire of the forklift experiences more wear and tear, if it is frequently used around the same path in the warehouse. The repetitive motion causes them to wear off faster from one side than another. Apart from that, it can deflate, lose its tread, etc. With the forklift repair services, you can pressure check the tires and ensure they are in good working condition.
• Reduced downtime
  If forklift repair is done regularly, including visual examination of its parts, it will continue to tread smoothly and reduce downtime. Keeping your machine strictly serviced is necessary to ensure that you get the most out of it.
• It helps the machine to stay in the top order
  Regular maintenance and repairs of the forklift improve its aesthetic appeal and are important from a safety viewpoint. Doing an inspection will prevent the daily build-up of combustible materials; prevent chances of blocked radiators and other issues that can hamper the safety of the forklift. For regular maintenance and cleaning, you can call mobile forklift repair services company. The company will clean the dirty elements, change the filter and reduce the wear and tear. It will also help you to save from unnecessary expenses and allow your forklifts to run with ease.
• To prevent the occurrence of incidents
  The forklift repair and maintenance services in South Africa prevent unexpected issues that can lead to untoward incidents. For example, if the forklift operator notices that the brake has become soft and fragile and it might bend or break down; he will repair it instantly. Addressing these issues beforehand prevents the occurrence of dangerous fatalities and prevents small problems from becoming big. For example, changing the coolant is less costly than repairing the machine after the leak. It is better to examine and replace soft brakes than to replace them entirely.
  To make the forklift work smoothly, you must deal with the issues as they crop up. Otherwise, it might cost you a lot.
• Improved life span
  Forklift ensures warehouse operations are smooth, but it should be maintained well to maximize its value. Regular maintenance and servicing can reduce unplanned downtime and increase its life span.
• Improved resale value
  Another reason for maintaining the forklift is that it improves the machine's resale value. Sticking to the service schedule, take care of the machine and ensure it is well-working. In this way, you can charge a high price.
• It will not waste your resources
  Repairing a forklift is a professional task that requires skills and experience. If your equipment is damaged and you try the DIY route, you might waste time and resources. Hiring mobile forklift repair services or enrolling in a comprehensive plan ensures that you are in safe hands. With their experience, you can save time, and labour, reduce stress and provide fast services to the customers.
• Enhanced productivity
  The speed and features can make a lot of difference to your warehousing operations. Forklift maintenance ensures that your equipment is running in a steady order. As the forklift gets older, the performance without maintenance will decline. So, regular repairs are mandatory if you want to up your productivity and break the lull.
• For the overall safety of the warehouse
  Workplace safety is the priority of any warehouse. If there is no regular maintenance, the forklifts can be prone to lose attachments, unsafe extensions and other malfunctioning, which may endanger the life of the workers.
• Short and Long Term Forklifts Rental Services
  The best way to maintain the forklift is to consider for a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan and services contract with an experienced and licensed company like Orizen Group. The group provides regular inspection, cleaning, maintenance and short-term forklift rental services. These services are rendered to keep you safe and offer you peace of mind. We also maintain reports that will help you notice irregularities.

Final Thoughts

Forklift repair and maintenance are necessary to prevent hazards. Its benefits are hard to ignore. Not only does it help to save money in the long run, but it extends the machine's longevity and reduces downtime. If you are also looking for a company that can provide you with forklift repair services with a difference, contact Orizen Group. Our company has a voice that reverberates experience and quality for every assigned task. The professionals at Orizen Group are proactive and provide high-quality forklift maintenance services so that your forklift works without obstacles. Our forklift repair services are available on a dedicated basis; we go beyond the conventional maintenance services and offer customers new and innovative technologies to maintain the forklift.

Electric Material Handling Equipment Makes Everything Easier and Faster

An electric material handling equipment is used to move, control, store, and protect goods and materials throughout the manufacturing, distributing or warehousing process. Material handling represents different manual, automated and semi-automated equipment types that make the specific supply chain work smoothly. Some electric material handling equipment could be an electric forklift, lithium-ion forklift and many others.

What Are the Electric Material Handling Equipments?

Electric material handling equipment are devices used for the movement, specific storage, protection, and control of goods, materials and products throughout manufacturing goods, distribution, consumption of products, and, yes disposal of end products. This material handling equipment simply makes the whole process easier and faster than ever before. Obviously, people would like to protect, store and distribute their end products with proper safety. Using a lithium-ion forklift and electric forklift South Africa can be the right option.

Know about Different Types of Material Handling Equipment

There are four categories of electric or motor material handling equipment such as –

• Bulk material
• Industrial trucks
• Engineered systems
• And storage material handling

So, when you decide to choose electric material handling equipment, you first need to know about these four options. Without grabbing adequate information about these four types of material handling equipment, you won’t be able to make the right decision.

Know the Functionality of Material Handling Equipment

According to electric forklift specialists, choosing the right material handling equipment can make the process easier and faster. Now, the question comes here: how to choose material handling equipment? For this, you first need to know the functionality of material handling equipment.

As you already know that material handling is the professional movement of goods throughout a process of manufacturing. You need to know its main functions, and you need to know how electric material handling equipment works.

So, let’s check out the functions of material handling equipment.

• Material handling equipment concentrates on methods of handling.
• This equipment helps in controlling goods.
• You can manage the distribution of products or goods using material handling equipment.
• You can move products or goods from the manufacturing area to the storage facility safely with the help of material handling equipment.
• You can also use this material handling equipment to dispose of end products or goods.
• Since material handling equipment comes incorporated with the latest technology in vogue, you need to go through the manual book to understand its functionality better.

Do You Want to Choose the Best Material Handling Equipment?

Whether you are looking for an electric forklift South Africa or a lithium-ion forklift, you first need to know about the right supplier.

Are you still in a dilemma?

You need to look at nowhere else but Orizen Group. It’s the best network of experienced and highly skilled material handling equipment suppliers online. They provide a counterbalanced forklift so that electric forklift specialists can perform great.

If you want to get the best deal on buying electric material handling equipment, you need to contact the customer support team at Orizen Group or call +27 83 508 4897 for more details.

How application based solutions from Orizen helps its customers to operate without interruption and to reduce the cost

Battery & Charger technologies are developing at a rate that currently assures more than 80% of applications can be met by power smart Electric Forklifts. This places the onus squarely on the shoulders of buyers to make smart decisions to ensure the best fit.

These choices can be difficult and Orizen, a specialist in Electric Forklift solutions have for the past two decades progressed & positioned itself as a facilitator to make sense of a host of Battery and Charger choices using its modelling software which incorporates Customer Site Surveys and Operational Requirements. The entire concept is designed to achieve the best total cost of ownership for the asset called the Electric Forklif

LEADING IN INDUSTRY INNOVATION

The approach to serving this market has also led to Orizen acquire distribution rights for World-class Brands for batteries, chargers, Battery Monitoring and Management systems, Solid Forklift Tyres as well as Electric Forklifts.

According to managing director, Vijay Manchanda, it is also the first supplier in the country to offer two different Lithium Ion Battery technologies that are suitable for different forklift applications, namely nickel cobalt aluminium (NCA) and lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP). While most batteries today are LFP, an offshoot of the advancement of battery technology in electric vehicles (EVs), there are some limitations for its use in some applications.

For example, you can only charge them at 40% of the overall battery capacity to keep the designed life cycles. Hence it may still take a minimum of 2,5 hours to charge effectively. However, new technology in the form of NCA batteries developed in Europe, can be fully charged in an hour’s time and have 50%+ extra lifecycles than LFP. NCA cells have more than double the Specific energy than LFP. Added advantage is our ability to build these batteries locally and replace a cell or two than replacing the whole battery in case of a unexpected fault. NCA technology also finds its optimised use in cold store and freezer applications where it is essential that battery cell temperature is communicated to charger so that charger can adjust its charging rate to avoid damage to battery capacity, life and a possible explosion.

Temperature compensation can only be regulated through CANBUS communication with the Charger that talks to battery.

NO MORE ONE CHARGER PER BATTERY

Our Advanced Chargers in conjunction with Battery Monitoring Units enable customers to Charge any Battery (technology, amp hours and voltage) with any Charger sitting unutilized in your charge bay. This will alter the principle of one charger per battery.

ELECTRIC REPLACING DIESEL FOR OUTDOOR APPLICATION

ORIZEN is the exclusive dealer in South Africa for EP Equipment, and they offer a range of IP54 Protected Lithium Ion Smart Trucks as they are now able to operate in wet or rainy conditions. You are now able to reduce the number for Forklifts within your operation as these Smart Trucks can operate both indoors and outdoors. Electrics require a lot less maintenance, no fuel storage facilities and now can match the availability like the internal combustion counterparts. If carefully selected, these savings can enable the user to buy a complete new electric forklift from the savings alone. They are also cleaner running with no fumes nor spills to contaminate storage spaces or goods,” says Manchanda.

Depending on the application selected, electric forklifts can provide users with a return on their investment in quick time. It may be expensive to buy electric forklifts but It’s like buying your fuel upfront and once you start the payback point you start economizing.

BATTERY FOR LIFE, AND AFTER-LIFE

The company’s Lionbrix (NCA) batteries are supplied by Micropower in Sweden with specially developed Samsung cells and triple level process controls built in (redundancy in safety). They are super-safe, super-dense and designed by engineers who are experts in power electronics.

Toyota in UK and Europe use same Lionbrix concept as their very own Lithium Ion Solution. These batteries will still have over 80% capacity once they are unfit for forklift use and can then be reused in back up power application.

You can take out cells and build new battery for another or new forklift if required as small size allows fitment to any steel tank. “However, despite the newest technologies, different applications still call for different battery types. That is why we stock all available technologies and have seven types to choose from with three different charger types.

We assist customers to analyse current and future applications and provide insights to the correct solution for the user. With Warehouse development and the focus on space optimisation, narrower aisles and increased racking heights place a massive demand on the battery solutions.

By studying the application and reviewing the charge time available during Breaks per shift, we can specify the correct Battery and Charging solution.

UN-INTERRUPTED OPERATION AND MAXIMIZING ASSET LIFE - IOT

Technology has is evolving, and telematics places the control with the user and/or the service providers’ hands. Our technology enables us to track real time data made available on any machine at any time and enables us to monitor the use and abuse of the asset. We combine the philosophy of RCM (Reliability Centred Maintenance) and CBM (Condition based Maintenance) to achieve the maximum life expectancy from these assets. Our NOC (network operating centre) ensures that services happen on time and identify problem before it brings the forklift to halt. Remote Fleet Management (RFM) can even guide us which spares to take with us to go and fix a particular breakdown.

GOOD HANDS

Orizen currently employs Sales and Technical staff with a combined industry experience of over 150 years which is unheard of in the industry considering the recent development of these technologies.

It also offers a unique product warranty that can be linked to the provision of a complete solution from Orizen. This means that if the power systems and chargers are maintained and managed by the company, customers can enjoy the full benefit of an extended warranty on all equipment. “We believe that the wholistic management of electric forklift is the future of the industry as it can provide hassle-free operations for users. These services are available from any of our branches in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, as well as specially appointed dealers in all major centres of the country.

Manchanda concludes, 70% of Diesel/Gas dominated Forklift Industry in South Africa is poised to shift to electric forklifts.

Choosing the Best Forklift Batteries for Your Business Operation

Dependable forklift batteries can help you increase your uptime, productivity, and return on investment. However, the incorrect battery (or maintenance plan) might lead to reduced performance or downtime in the worst-case scenario. When the batteries in your forklift malfunction, business comes to a halt. Even a short period of interruption - productivity loss, disruptions, and contract consequences – may easily outweigh the cost of the forklift battery. So, how can you optimize uptime and reduce maintenance costs of such electric forklift batteries? Thus, the optimal strategy combines battery choices with other best practices to provide the highest battery dependability, safety, and effectiveness.

Where to Buy Forklift Batteries?

The forklift batteries are an essential business investment. Begin by choosing the appropriate batteries for your operation, and before you purchase or lease a new forklift battery, consider the following questions:

• What is the voltage of the vehicle?
• How large is the compartment?
• Will I require a cover?

When batteries are designed better, constructed to exact specifications, and combined with a higher-quality component, they last more, need less maintenance and minimize frequent sources of downtime. Orizon Group brings you high-quality forklift batteries South Africa that need little maintenance. Further, they are made locally and are among the best-engineered batteries on the market. So, by adhering to the battery best practice, you may extend the life of each forklift battery and avoid the need to buy a brand new forklift battery.

Considerations When Buying Electric Forklift Batteries, here are a few things to consider when buying electric forklift batteries.

1. Type of Batteries

Currently, there are two types of batteries are available on the market and also with Orizon Group, including:

• Lead-acid batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries

Lead-acid batteries, the most common kind, are liquid-filled and include a detachable top. They generate energy when a chemical process between the lead plates and sulfuric acid happens. However, lithium-ion batteries are the more recent technology of the two. Lithium-ion batteries are now widely utilized in smartphones, tablets, and electric cars. Additionally, they are becoming increasingly prevalent in airport ground support and warehousing equipment, like forklifts.

2. The Service Life

You're making a significant financial commitment, and you want to get the greatest value for your money. So, it is important to consider the full life of your battery. The kind of battery used by businesses influences how often operators must change it - an essential consideration when calculating the entire cost of forklift battery upkeep. The lifespans of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries are very different. Each has an average service life of:

• About 1,000 and 1,500 cycles for lead-acid
• About 2,000–3,000 cycles

Why are these life cycles significant? A battery's life cycle determines how often it needs replacement. Further, this is a significant aspect to consider when planning a battery maintenance and upkeep budget.

3. Time Spent on Maintenance

As discussed before, if a battery is not maintained properly, its life may be significantly reduced. Further, maintenance time can be expensive. So, certain precautions must be taken with a lead-acid and lithium-ion battery to enhance service life. Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, demand greater attention.

Final Say

So before investing in or purchasing electric forklift batteries, it is best to weigh down all your considerations and then decide. Orizon Group can assist you in selecting the right type of battery for your forklift operation. Contact us today.

The Top Benefits Of Electric Forklifts

Battery-powered forklifts are fast becoming a staple for facilities across South Africa for a few key reasons. Compared to their fuel-powered counterparts, they offer numerous benefits without sacrificing their core functionality.

 

These benefits vary greatly, but all contribute to a solution that generally lowers the cost of ownership, ensures consistent efficiency, and ensures more sustainability in the long term.

 

So, if you have been on the fence about whether to buy a battery or fuel-powered forklift truck, here are a few good reasons to strongly consider the latter:

                                

 Less Air & Noise Pollution
 
Wherever heavy machinery is being used, there is a concern about pollution, even where the considerably lightweight forklift truck is concerned.

 

Fuel-powered forklift trucks contribute to two major types of pollution in facilities, namely air, and noise pollution.

 

Diesel or petrol engines make a lot of noise during operations, and while the sound of forklift trucks does tend to blend into the background of facilities, they contribute to a more stressful, unhealthy, and unsafe environment purely due to the noise they make.

 

Electric forklifts are much more silent in their operations, which helps to eliminate noise pollution from facilities.

 

The next type of pollution, air pollution, is of particular concern when forklift trucks are being used indoors since they expel harmful fumes into the air, which is unsafe for anyone in the vicinity. Even when used outside, they contribute to overall harm to the environment.

 

Electric forklifts, which produce no such pollution, therefore offer a much safer and more environmentally friendly alternative.

 
Maintenance Is Simple
 
Unlike their fuel-powered counterparts, the electric motors in battery-powered forklifts have far fewer moving parts, which means that they will take significantly less damage from wear and tear over time.

 

At the end of the day, this contributes to a reduction in the time and money spent on maintenance and repairs for electric forklifts, which accounts for compounded savings over time.

 

Additionally, electric forklifts require no oils or lubricants, which accounts for even more savings.

 

Lastly, there is less of a chance of failures and resulting downtime, which means that they offer higher levels of reliability, even with less of a need for maintenance.

Lowered Operational & Ownership Costs
 
The operational and ownership costs of fuel-powered forklifts can be substantial, most of which are not present in battery-powered forklifts, making them a far more attractive alternative for most businesses.

 

Just where fuel consumption is concerned, the cost of operating a fuel-powered forklift can increase by no less than 40%. This coupled with the savings on maintenance, ensures that battery-powered forklifts offer a much more affordable and sustainable solution.

No Need For Fuel Storage
 
For many businesses that use fuel forklifts, one of the biggest challenges to space and organization is how to correctly store the fuel needed for forklifts, which is a concern that obviously doesn’t apply to the use of electric ones, since they don’t require fuel of any type.

 

Fuel storage will increase the operational and ownership costs of forklifts substantially, adds another need for management and admin, and even presents numerous hazards such as risks of fires and explosions.

 

For those businesses opting for battery-powered forklifts, these are not things they need to worry about.

Improved Safety
 
The last major benefit of using electric forklifts is that they enhance the overall safety levels within a facility substantially. We have touched on a few of these already, like not needing to store fuel, having equipment that always operates correctly, and of course, not having harmful fumes and odors in working environments.

 

An often-overlooked aspect of safety here is that there won’t be any oil leaks or hazards present in your facility (at least not from the forklifts), which contributes to an overall safer operational environment.

Contact The Orizen Group For Details
 
If you would like to know more about our offers on electric forklifts for sale, be sure to get in contact with a representative from the Orizen Group today