Major Parts of a Forklift Battery
This guide provides a summary of the major components found on a forklift battery.
Read our full guide on forklift battery parts.
| Forklift Battery Connector
The forklift battery connector is used to connect the battery to the forklift or the battery to the charger. The connectors can be split into 2 main types:
Read the full guide on connectors.
| Battery Connector Harness
The battery connector harness includes the battery connector, cable and take-offs from the positive and negative terminals.
| Forklift Battery Cells
A forklift battery is made up of 2v cells. A 24v battery will have 12 cells and a 48v battery will have 24 cells. The cells are joined in series with inter-cell connectors to make the total voltage of the battery.
| Intercell Connectors and Bolts
Intercell connectors join the battery cells in series to make the full voltage of the battery.
| Battery Tray or Tank
The battery cells are contained within a tray or tank. The tank is made from metal which has paint applied on the inside and out. Most trays are coated with a plastic paint that is acid resistant.
Monitors are available to help detect if there is liquid in the tray, helping to prevent failure in the future.
| Packing Material
Packing material in the batteries is used between the cells and tank to ensure the tight fitting of the cells into the tray. This prevents the cells moving during operation which could cause damage of the cells, tray or connectors.
| Battery Electrolyte Monitor
Most new batteries now come complete with a battery electrolyte monitor. Forklift batteries lose water during operation and charging, the electrolyte monitors inform you when it is time to top a battery and help to ensure against battery dry out.
| Vent Cap or Battery Filling System
The water lost during use and charging needs to be replaced, so the cells vent caps are designed to enable water to be added.
