Industrial and Traction

Choosing traction batteries

Work out the voltage of the machine and how many blocks it uses. Golf buggies and scrubbers often chain several 6, 8 or 12-volt batteries, while forklifts may carry large trays of 2-volt cells. Match amp-hours and size to the compartment and confirm the charger suits the chemistry.

Chemistries on offer

• Flooded deep-cycle: rugged and economical, needs regular watering.
• Glass-mat and gel: sealed, no watering, well suited to indoor machines.
• Lead-carbon and lithium: happier with partial charging and quicker to refill.

Quick answers

When do flooded cells need water?

After charging, using distilled water, and never above the marked level.

Can a single block be swapped?

Not advisable, since in a series set the weakest battery limits the whole pack. A new block among tired ones is also overcharged on every cycle and ages quickly. Brands in this section include Trojan, Kronobat, Q-Battery and Leoch.