What Is Exide Forklift Battery?
Exide forklift batteries are industrial-grade lead-acid energy systems designed for electric forklifts, offering voltages like 48V with capacities ranging from 465Ah to 560Ah. These traction batteries use tubular plate technology for enhanced deep-cycle durability and thermal resilience, supporting prolonged operation in material handling. Models like 4EPzS560 and 3EPzS465 prioritize high discharge rates and longevity, typically paired with CC-CV charging to maintain efficiency over 1,500+ cycles. Their modular design allows capacity scaling for varied warehouse demands.
What defines Exide forklift battery models like 4EPzS560?
Exide’s alphanumeric codes specify voltage, capacity, and plate structure. For instance, 4EPzS560 breaks into 48V (4EP), tubular plates (z), and 560Ah capacity. These batteries employ thick lead-acid plates with absorbed glass mat (AGM) or flooded designs, optimized for 8-hour shifts in Class I/II forklifts. Pro Tip: Regularly check specific gravity—values below 1.225 indicate sulfation. For example, a 48V560Ah unit powers 2.5-ton forklifts for 6–8 hours per charge, depending on load cycles.
Exide’s tubular plates increase surface area by 30% versus flat plates, extending cycle life to 1,800 charges at 80% depth of discharge. Charging requires 57.6V–60V bulk phases, tapering to float at 54V. Practically speaking, improper equalization accelerates grid corrosion—limit equalizing to once monthly. A 48V560Ah battery weighs ~1,200kg, demanding reinforced battery compartments. Warning: Mixing old and new cells in parallel risks thermal imbalance; replace entire strings if capacity drops below 80%.
| Model | Voltage | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 4EPzS560 | 48V | 560Ah |
| 3EPzS465 | 48V | 465Ah |
How do Exide forklift batteries compare to lithium-ion alternatives?
Exide’s lead-acid batteries offer lower upfront costs (~¥19,800 per 48V560Ah unit) but require maintenance like watering. Lithium-ion variants cost 2–3x more upfront but last 3,000+ cycles with zero maintenance. While lithium excels in fast charging (1–2 hours vs. 8 hours for lead-acid), Exide’s plates withstand higher ambient heat (up to 45°C) common in steel mills. Pro Tip: Use lithium for multi-shift operations; stick with lead-acid for single-shift cost efficiency. For example, a warehouse running 5-day weeks recovers lead-acid costs in 18 months versus lithium’s 30-month ROI.
Beyond energy density, lead-acid batteries provide 100% recyclability—95% of materials are reclaimable versus 50–70% for lithium. However, lithium’s 40% weight reduction (e.g., 720kg vs. 1,200kg for 48V systems) improves forklift maneuverability. Transitionally, hybrid systems using Exide’s TPPL (Thin Plate Pure Lead) bridge the gap, offering partial lithium benefits at 1.5x lead-acid pricing. Always verify forklift motor compatibility—lithium’s steady voltage curve may require controller recalibration.
| Parameter | Exide Lead-Acid | Lithium-Ion |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Charge Time | 8h | 2h |
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes, but capacity drops 20–30% at -20°C. Use battery blankets and limit discharges to 50% in sub-zero environments to prevent plate cracking.
What’s the lifespan of a 48V560Ah Exide battery?
Approximately 5–7 years with proper maintenance (1,500 cycles at 80% DoD). Replace when capacity falls below 60% of rated Ah.
Do Exide batteries require ventilation?
Mandatory for flooded types due to hydrogen emission during charging. AGM/sealed models can operate in semi-enclosed spaces with airflow ≥0.5m/s.