Traction batteries

In an electric work vehicle the traction battery is the fuel tank: it drives the motor for the whole shift and is recharged afterwards. It takes deep discharges every day for years.

This family brings together 2 V PzS and PzB cells for building forklift trays and 6, 8 and 12 V monoblocs for golf carts, floor scrubbers and work platforms.

Two formats for two kinds of machine

Forklifts and large pallet trucks use steel trays filled with 2 V tubular-plate cells connected in series: 12 cells give 24 V, 24 cells give 48 V and 40 cells give 80 V. Lighter vehicles take 6, 8 or 12 V monoblocs that combine several cells in one case. Find each format under forklift batteries, golf cart batteries and floor scrubber batteries.

Key figures of a traction battery

• C5 capacity: the industry standard, because it reflects a discharge spread over one shift. Do not compare it with C20 figures.
• Depth of discharge: the design allows up to 80 % per cycle; going beyond that routinely shortens its life.
• Chemistry: flooded tubular plate for the most cycles; traction GEL where watering is not possible; LiFePO4 for opportunity charging and multi-shift work.
• Weight: in a forklift the battery tray also acts as counterweight, so its mass is part of the machine design.

We supply PzS and PzB cells from KRONOBAT and deep cycle monoblocs from TROJAN, among other brands.

Habits that extend its life

Give it a full charge after every shift and do not cut it short: repeated partial charges throw the cells out of balance. If the battery comes back hot, let it cool before it goes back to work. Keep the top clean and dry, since damp dirt causes current leakage. Once a month, check the specific gravity or voltage cell by cell to catch a weak one early.

FAQ

What is the difference between traction and semi-traction?

Semi-traction uses reinforced flat plates in a monobloc case, for light or medium duty machines. Full traction uses tubular plates and withstands more deep cycles.

When should I top up the water?

After charging is complete, with demineralised water up to the marked level. If the plates are exposed before charging, add just enough to cover them and finish afterwards.