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Facts and
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions: Forklift
Batteries
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 Knowledge
Base: Glossary of Battery and Charger Terms and Definitions.
Battery Products
 What gives GB Industrial Batteries their superior level of
quality?
 Our Advanced Design Separator and Paste Formulation, together with lower
internal resistance, performance engineering and careful assembly, work together to make GB the best deep cycle industrial batteries available.
Our exclusive separator is designed to deliver superior electrolyte distribution, lower water usage
and reduced positive shedding, so our batteries last
significantly longer. Our proprietary paste formulation is the key ingredient to
long battery life.
What are Gel, AGM and SLA / sealed lead acid batteries?
Gel cell or sealed lead acid batteries have basically the same
chemistry as conventional wet or “flooded cell” batteries. The battery electrolyte is in a gelatin form (GEL) or is absorbed into a glass matt (AGM). The battery is then sealed with
epoxy. They are exceptionally leak
resistant and may be used in any position, but cannot be re-hydrated when
they eventually begin to dry fail. Applications include UPS devices,
emergency lights, and wheelchairs. These batteries contain 2 volts per cell with common voltages of 4, 6, and 12
volt. They are not recommended for use in deep cycle or forklift applications.
Does GB offer a Gel, AGM or SLA “Maintenance Free” / “Low
Maintenance” battery?
We did from 1996 to 2001, but
determined that they could not withstand normal use for more than 3 years, making
them an impractical solution to conventional lead acid batteries. They are not cost
effective in forklift applications for the following reasons; A) more than double
the cost of conventional, B) they require a special charger, and
C) the short 3yr life expectancy vs. 7yrs for conventional
batteries.
To make your new or existing
forklift battery virtually maintenance free, we recommend installing
an Automatic Battery Watering System and Water Level Indicator Light. This
can be accomplished for approximately $20 per cell, plus (1) $50 indicator module
(installed). The benefits are:
· Weekly
battery watering takes just one to two minutes.
· No user
contact with the battery or vent caps.
· No
safety equipment required (such as eye wash systems and protective gear).
· Narrow
isle trucks do not require removal of the battery for watering.
· Accidental
overfilling, acid overflow and corrosion are eliminated.
· You will
achieve the maximum number of cycles and productivity, usually 7yrs or more.
· The
optional battery water level indicator light further reduces maintenance by
eliminating unnecessary water level checks, and allows operators and
management to easily monitor water levels at a glance.
 GB Battery Watering
Systems: Pricing and additional information.
Example: Automatic Battery Watering System
   
Automatic Watering System
| Filler is Easily Accessible | 5gal. Reservoir | Remote Water Level Indicator
Does
GB ship their batteries filled and charged?
Yes, all GB industrial batteries
ship filled with electrolyte, fully charged and ready for
immediate use, including international export shipments.
Do I use the cables and plug from my old battery on my new
battery?
No, all new
and reconditioned batteries ship with the
correct cables and plug installed.
Will my new battery be compatible with my existing
charger?
Yes, provided
your existing charger was sized correctly for your forklift at the time of
purchase.
Does GB charge for delivery or freight?
No, freight is included within the continental
United States on new and reconditioned batteries and chargers. We
only charge for installation (if requested) @ $75/hr in most
markets.
Where is my nearest GB Industrial Battery Sales Office?
Please see
our global branch locator page to locate the nearest GB Industrial Battery distributor.
The five most common reasons for Premature Battery
Failure:
1.
Low
water levels
·
From our experience, this is the number | 
