Low-maintenance batteries are a great option for warehouses and other industrial applications looking to reduce labor costs or who need a battery solution that offers optimal uptime. There are various types of low maintenance batteries for forklifts, pallet jacks and other equipment each suited for a specific purpose in mind.
Are your maintenance costs hindering your bottom line? Is battery maintenance costs killing your organization’s productivity?
If so, then you will benefit from a low-maintenance battery for your equipment. Below, we discuss everything you need to know about low-maintenance batteries. If you have additional questions or want to skip the reading and connect with a battery supplier to discuss possible solutions then give us a call.
Are Low-Maintenance Batteries Worth It?
Many purchasing managers are reluctant to switch to low-maintenance batteries at first because they know what they are currently getting from their batteries. To decide to switch you must know the impact low-maintenance batteries will have on operations and the company’s bottom line. So let’s explore if they are worth it for your organization.
How many batteries does your facility currently use? How often do they require maintenance and how long is the maintenance process?
What would the financial impact be if you only had to perform maintenance on those batteries four times a year or less? How much would the company save on labor costs only?
Low-maintenance batteries may not be as beneficial for an organization with one or two forklifts in seldom use, but for those manufacturing facilities and warehouses that constantly use their pallet jacks, forklifts, and other equipment, these types of batteries can offer many benefits.
Types Of Low-Maintenance Batteries To Choose
There are different types of low-maintenance batteries designed with different applications in mind. Understanding what they are and how they work can you help identify the best low-maintenance battery solution for your warehouse.
Traditional Lead acid battery with a large reservoir – The first low-maintenance battery option provides you with the traditional battery experience that most are used to but boasts a large reservoir allowing an increased volume of electrolytes. This design reduces watering to four times a year under normal operating conditions.
Gelled electrolyte batteries – The next option replaces the traditional lead acid with a gel that contains electrolytes. Utilizing this gell removes the laborious task of checking fluid levels and watering the battery. Because the batteries are completely sealed, these types of batteries are also leakproof and spillproof.
Lithium-ion batteries – Considered to be the highest-performance battery, lithium-ion batteries are also considered to be maintenance-free. Lithium-ion batteries offer longer life cycles than traditional batteries have a higher energy density and have a much faster recharge time than a traditional battery. While lithium batteries seem like the perfect replacement there are some drawbacks. They tend to cost a little more than a traditional lead-acid battery and a Battery Management Software (BMS) is required to monitor the voltage, temperature, and charge.
Each battery type has a different cost, runtime and requires a different level of maintenance. Make sure to speak with a battery supplier to understand the ins and outs of each battery type to find your ideal solution.
Comparing Cost Savings with Total Cost of Ownership
We encourage our clients to understand the total cost of ownership of each battery solution we offer so they can make the most informed decision. In essence, the total cost of ownership weighs the initial upfront costs of a battery solution with the long-term cost savings and benefits.
What are your organization’s goals and priorities? Are you looking for the cheapest solution or are you in the position to find a solution that will lead to higher profitability over the long term?
Some battery solutions have initial higher upfront costs but will allow for cost savings and increased productivity throughout the battery’s life cycle.
It’s important to consider these factors when searching for a low-maintenance battery solution and comparing rather than going with the cheapest upfront solution because it has a lower price tag.
Finding the Right Solution
Understanding your operational goals and the battery options available are the first steps in helping you find the best solution for your organization. We also recommend discussing your needs with an expert battery supplier who can educate you on the available solutions and help you find a solution that best meets your needs.
At Beal, we don’t just sell batteries. We help companies understand the battery solutions available to them and compare the total cost of ownership of those different solutions. If your company is in Maryland or the Mid-Atlantic and is looking for a better battery solution then give us a call. We have a large variety of low-maintenance, no-maintenance and high-performance batteries available to fit a variety of needs.
