The Differences Between Lead Acid and Lithium-Ion Forklifts

Posted Date: 7/06/23

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When looking into electric forklifts it is important to realize that there are two different types that you can choose from, lead acid and lithium-ion (Li-Ion). Both types of electric forklifts are good for anyone looking for a zero-emissions forklift but it is important to realize the differences and figure out which one meets your specific needs. At FLIFT America, we have lead acid forklifts and Li-Ion forklifts in stock and available now in Washington, NC.

Lead Acid Forklifts

Lead acid forklifts are the typical option when one thinks of an electric forklift, they were the first ones around and still a good classic option. Rather than having a counter-weight in the back of a forklift like an internal combustion forklift or a Li-Ion forklift, the battery itself acts as the counterweight. A lead acid battery is connected to a charger, where the charger reads the battery and tells it what it needs. The downside to a lead acid forklift is that it has a larger charge time, about 8 hours to charge and 8 hours for the battery to cool down after the charge. Lead acid forklifts are also more compact than a regular forklift, without the need for an extra counter-balance in the forklift there is no back end that sticks out and the guard is flush with the back of the fokrlift. In Washington, NC we have lead acid forklifts in stock and available now.

Lithium-Ion Forklifts

Lithium-Iion forklifts are a great option if you still want the classic look of a forklift like an internal combustion forklift, but are wanting an electric forklift. Like any electric forklift they are a battery powered forklift, however they are very different from a lead acid battery. With a Li-Ion battery the downtime to charge a forklift is much shorter, how long it takes to charge back to full depends on how low the battery was. The Li-Ion battery has the capability to tell the charger exactly how much it needs and when to cut off making an overcharge less likely. We have Lithium-Ion forklifts in stock and available now at FLIFT America.

Why FLIFT America

FLIFT America, located in Washington, NC, is a distributer of forklifts. We pride ourselves in a great quality forklift and excellent dealer and customer support. At FLIFT America, we have electric forklifts in-stock including both lead acid and lithium-ion, as well as diesel and LP forklifts. For your forklift needs or if you are interested in becoming a dealer reach out to our National Sales Manager, Tanya Simmons at tsimmons@fliftamerica.com or give her a call at 800-395-1162 ext 104!