Choosing Certainty

Warehouse managers who choose a reliable partner for material handling can also benefit from lithium-ion battery technology. Find out how.

By D.Eng. Danilo Schmidt, Team Lead, Product Management, Crown Forklifts

In the demanding work environments of modern warehouses, fleet managers must weigh many different factors when planning or upgrading their forklift fleet. Choosing the right battery type can be a deciding factor. The right partner with proven expertise in forklift technology can help decision-makers understand these complex issues and make well-informed decisions.

Lead-acid or lithium-ion: an important decision

Lead-acid batteries require a lower initial investment and may be a better option for certain applications, such as when charging infrastructure is already in place or the available power is limited. However, depending on the application, lithium-ion systems can offer significant advantages. Since there is no longer a need to regularly maintain, replace, or top off batteries with water, you benefit from lower operating and maintenance costs and higher truck availability. Since lithium-ion batteries produce no emissions during charging, separate battery charging areas are unnecessary.

Lithium-ion battery systems also offer significantly higher energy efficiency and a longer service life. Thanks to their short charging time compared to lead-acid batteries, batteries with a lower capacity are sufficient for the same application. With Crown’s V-Force technology, batteries can be fully charged in a short amount of time.

The right partner in material handling will help you find the right solution

Customers who lithium-ion battery technology Before implementing this, companies must first gain a thorough understanding of their specific application, including factors such as usage, shift work, interim charging, and seasonal fluctuations. For example, the shorter charging time of lithium-ion batteries leads to higher demand for electricity, also known as peak load. It is therefore essential that the energy supplier be able to meet the total energy demand, but also that the electrical infrastructure be capable of handling the simultaneous use of all charging points.

As early as the initial planning phase, Crown’s energy experts can provide on-site support to help customers gain a better understanding of their logistics processes and applications. Working with the energy provider, Crown can develop customized solutions for the most cost-effective combination of batteries and chargers.  If necessary, energy analyses can also be conducted by attaching data loggers to existing forklifts to determine the exact energy requirements and the charging time needed for optimal charging. In addition, a reliable material handling partner can support the lithium-ion power supply through its own service and support network to ensure that trucks, chargers, and batteries at every location are in excellent condition and work together efficiently.

The choice of the right partner is essential for achieving significant benefits in terms of costs, productivity, and efficiency in the warehouse.

Gain a clear understanding of your specific application and energy infrastructure. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How many shifts are my trucks currently being used for, and how many hours a day are they in operation?
• Which breaks during a shift are suitable for recharging in between?
• How much time is available for charging outside of scheduled breaks?
• To what extent are the specifications of my application—such as load capacity, lift height, and processing speed—properly documented?
• Are there seasonal peaks or fluctuations in my business operations throughout the year?
• Can the local energy provider meet the total energy demand of all chargers?
• Do all potential charging stations have adequate electrical infrastructure?