The weight of your forklift battery determines which lifting and transport equipment you need and directly impacts your safety and costs . In this article, we'll show you the typical weight ranges for common voltage classes ( 24 V to 80 V ) and provide you with clear figures so you know immediately what to expect.
Why the weight of a forklift battery matters
The weight of your forklift battery influences:
- Safety and stability: A battery that is too light can compromise the stability during lifting movements.
- Transport and handling: Heavy batteries require special lifting and carrying aids.
- Costs: Freight and assembly costs increase with weight.
- Service life and efficiency: Optimally balanced batteries protect the chassis and improve energy utilization.
Factors influencing battery weight
Voltage and capacity
- Voltage (V): Common values are 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 80 V. Higher voltage = more cells = higher weight.
- Capacity (Ah): The more ampere hours, the longer the runtime – but also more mass.
Cell type and construction
- Lead-acid: Robust, inexpensive, but heavy.
- Lithium-ion: Lighter, higher energy density, but more expensive.
- Modular design: Compact cell packs save weight compared to traditional plate batteries.
Housing and additional components
- Material: Plastic housings reduce weight compared to metal.
- Protection and cooling: Additional cooling fins or protective containers can increase weight.
Typical weight ranges of forklift batteries
| Tension | Capacity (Ah) | Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 24 V | 300 Ah | 350 – 450 kg |
| 48 V | 500 Ah | 600 – 800 kg |
| 80 V | 625 Ah | 1,200 – 1,500 kg |
| 80 V | 1 000 Ah | 1,600 – 2,000 kg |
How to find the ideal forklift battery
- Analyze load profile: Record the number of lifting cycles and shifts per day.
- Plan capacity buffers: At least 20% reserve for unexpected deployments.
- Check battery cabinet: Check dimensions and load capacity.
- Match your charger: You'll find the right combination solutions in our range of batteries and chargers .
