Traction battery

What is a traction battery?

A traction battery provides electrical energy to vehicles such as forklifts or pallet trucks. It also serves as essential counterweight when lifting heavy goods. It is a maintenance-free battery suitable for intensive use.

A traction battery consists of an iron or plastic container with various battery cells of 2 volts, made up of positive and negative plates. These are placed in a bath of electrolyte, a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. When all individual cells are connected, the total voltage of the traction battery is formed. The most common voltages are 24, 36, 48, 72, 80, or 96 volts.

The more intensively you use the battery, the faster the active mass in the battery decreases. When you recharge the traction battery, the reverse process occurs. However, a traction battery should only be discharged to a maximum of 80%. Higher discharge currents result in more heat loss, and the battery will last for a shorter time.

Compare the operation with that of a starter battery. However, traction batteries are designed to deliver a certain amount of energy over a longer period and have a higher capacity. On average, a traction battery for a forklift lasts about 6 years. During this time, the battery has been charged and discharged between 1200 and 1600 times.

Advantages of a traction battery

If you choose a vehicle powered by a traction battery, you benefit from numerous advantages:

• Your machines do not emit harmful gases. Handy and necessary for internal transport when your machines are moving around in your warehouse.
• Traction batteries require minimal maintenance.
• Traction batteries have a long lifespan.
• No use of fossil fuels, so not dependent on fuel prices.

Different types and brands of traction batteries

There are two general types of traction batteries, the wet and the dry. In the wet battery, the electrolyte is liquid, while the dry battery uses a gel electrolyte. Therefore, they differ in total lifespan and charging speed. Buy a Trojan or Monoblock traction battery at JVD Parts.

Which battery fits your forklift or pallet truck depends on your model of transport vehicle. Check the specifications of your current battery beforehand and consult the manual if necessary to check your voltage, dimensions, and capacity. Or contact our expert team. We are happy to assist you with knowledge and expertise, so you can install the correct traction battery without any doubt.

At JVD Parts, you can also find the following vehicle batteries:

• AGM batteries
• Gel batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Lead-acid batteries
• Forklift batteries
• Mobile power units

Maintenance of your traction battery

Your traction battery performs hard work every day. By cleaning and drying it weekly, you extend its lifespan and prevent corrosion. Additionally, you avoid expensive repair costs or downtime in the long run. Use only water without detergent for maintaining your traction battery.

Regularly check the cables, plugs, and cells. Refill demineralized water after each charge of your battery. Avoid unnecessary charges.

Also, have your traction battery checked at least once a year by a professional. This ensures optimal performance and guarantees the safety of your employees.

Buying a traction battery at JVD Parts

Buy your new traction battery easily online at JVD Parts, your expert for over 60 years in the sale and rental of forklifts and all related parts. We select only the best high-quality brands and products.

Order your new components from our large available stock. We will ship your parts today. So your machines will not be out of service for long, and your employees can safely return to work.

Questions about the different types and kinds of traction batteries? No worries, our professional team is ready to assist you. They will be happy to answer all your questions.