And while it is certainly worth checking those local sources, it is very possible that your best deal may come from an out-of-town source. When used with a forklift every day, these batteries typically last no more than seven or eight years, but expected life-span is up to 15 or 20+ years when used with a renewable energy system, properly maintained, and not deeply discharged.įorklift batteries are readily available from industrial battery dealers in most large cities. The battery is composed of 2 volt cells, all packed in a heavy-duty metal case and tied together with metal bars in the proper configuration to add up to the labeled voltage.
The lead plates on a forklift battery are far thicker and should last much longer than any L-16 battery made for renewable energy.
They are available at local industrial battery suppliers or in at least one situation, from the manufacturer. Forklift batteries come in a variety of voltages (12, 24, 36, or 48) and sizes (from 1,000 pounds to several thousand pounds). It is simply an incredibly heavy-duty, incredibly large, and surprisingly cost effective lead-acid deep cycle battery. The lowly forklift or industrial battery used in electric forklifts or pallet-jacks. They are sometimes right under our nose and for some reason we don't even think of them as an option. What I would call your attention to is still the standard lead-acid deep cycle battery, but one of a different variety. However, from what I have seen, the prices are still too high for these units. You may be thinking of new technologies involving sealed batteries of different materials. We decided to try it out, and so far our experience has confirmed what many others have been experiencing. It was relatively inexpensive, often available locally, and was incredibly heavy-duty and long lasting. When our small bank of Trojan L-16's bit the dust, we had been hearing rumblings of another option from friends.