Lead-acid traction batteries

As a long-time expert in the lead-acid battery industry, we know exactly what matters when it comes to choosing the right lead-acid battery. Because which battery is the best fit depends on the application, the operating conditions and the external influences. Trust us to find the perfect battery solution for your forklifts and other traction applications.

You are on the safe side with us, because our batteries are 100% from European production. This ensures shorter delivery times and compliance with European quality standards. At the same time, unique technical features enable maximum operational reliability and long battery service life. And we leave a smaller ecological footprint together with you.

The ultimate on the market
Allgäu Batterie® PRO

Our quality battery for the highest demands
Maximum capacity in a standardized cell vessel: 4-7% more capacity than Allgäu Batterie® ECO
Longer service life than standard market quality
Available in all common lead cell technologies (PzS, PzV, Aqualess, Power Square)

Longer service life
4% more capacity than standard low-profile cells due to more electrolyte
Maximized service life through improved cell design (reduced risk of corrosion and higher short-circuit strength)
Cost-optimized battery for all applications
Available as PzS

Don’t forget to fill with water:
Now even easier with ALLwater®

Discover the battery- and/or mains-operated device for easily filling your battery with distilled water after charging.

Aquamatic filter

Greater thread length

High quality trays

Battery terminal in sliding terminal design

Double tube feedthrough for electrolyte circulation (EUW)

Traction batteries of the premium series Allgäu Batterie® Pro meet the highest requirements. Compared to commercially available lead-acid batteries, the Allgäu Batterie® Pro combines the highest quality with powerful performance and maximum safety. And in combination with the ALLtr ac® Plus high-frequency charging device, you get an energy package for traction applications that is second to none.

The Allgäu Batterie® Pro is available in four types. Depending on the intended use, we recommend the variant that is right for you:

PzS (DIN) / PzB (British Standard)

PzS (Standard Armor Plate Battery): Dimension series L
PzB: British dimensions (dimension series E: narrower than PzS)
No technological difference

PzV / PzVB (Gel)

maintenance-free
suitable for sensitive applications (pharmaceutical, food, chemical)
no escape of corrosive liquid
no water filling or artificial venting

Aqualess

Extension of the interval for water filling up to 12 weeks
Prerequisite: suitable HF charging device (adapted characteristic curve, reduced charging factor)

Power Square

modified plate design: increased performance, extended travel time per discharge cycle

The new one in the family

Allgäu Batterie® ECO

As a cost-optimized solution with 4% more capacity than the standard low-profile cell on the market, the Allgäu Battery® ECO is suitable for tough use. Due to the lower electrolyte level, the Allgäu Battery® ECO is particularly well protected against corrosion and guarantees you a reliable energy supply for your forklift. In addition, the Allgäu Battery® ECO has a higher short-circuit resistance than a standard battery due to the larger mud space.

By the way: With the high-frequency chargers from the ALLgo® series, you can get the most out of your Allgäu Batterie® ECO.

Water filling made easy: ALLwater®

Filling a battery with distilled water has never been easier: With ALLwater® we offer you a battery- and/or mains-powered device with which clean water can be pumped from a water tank into a battery in accordance with DIN 43530 – quickly, safely and very easily.

Your benefits

All-in-one solution with easy handling
Parallel operation of charging and pumping
great savings in personnel and time
easy to convert
discharge monitor to protect the battery

4 Versions

The ALLwater® can be attached to an IBC barrel (IBC version), mounted on a hand truck (Mobile version), screwed to a wall (Wall version) or set up on a workbench (Stand version).

Our answers to your questions

A traction battery is a special type of battery designed for use in electric vehicles and machines known as “traction vehicles”. These batteries provide the energy needed to power electric vehicles such as forklifts, electric cars, golf carts, electric wheelbarrows and other commercial vehicles.

Traction batteries are typically lead-acid batteries, gel batteries or more advanced technologies such as lithium-ion batteries. The voltages of these batteries may vary depending on their application and configuration. Here are some common voltages for traction batteries:

24 volts: This is a common voltage for smaller electric utility vehicles such as golf carts or electric wheelbarrows.
36 volts: This voltage is often used in medium-sized electric vehicles and forklifts, as well as sweepers.
48 volts: This is a common voltage for larger forklifts and some electric commercial vehicles.
72 volts: In some heavier applications such as large forklifts and electric vehicles, a voltage of 72 volts may be used.
80 volts: This higher voltage is used in large industrial forklifts and specialized commercial vehicles.

The choice of voltage depends on the size, performance and requirements of the traction vehicle and is usually defined by the vehicle manufacturer.

Choosing between a lead-acid battery and a gel battery depends on the specific needs of your use case, as both battery types have advantages and disadvantages.

Lead-acid batteries	Gel batteries
Benefits: Lower acquisition costs in comparison to gel batteries High discharge currents, what they are for Applications with high energy requirements suitable, such as starting batteries vehicles Robust and long-lasting with proper care	Benefits: Sealed construction, no acid leakage, maintenance-free Low self-discharge rates
Disadvantages: Susceptible to acid leakage, requiring regular maintenance Need good ventilation as they can give off hydrogen gas	Disadvantages: Higher acquisition costs Lower usable capacity Sensitive to overload Reduced service life under high loads

Choosing between lead-acid and gel depends on your priorities, such as cost, maintenance, discharge requirements and lifespan. The choice between PzS and PzV depends on the requirements of your specific application. PzS batteries are more powerful but require more maintenance, while PzV batteries are a maintenance-free option.

Proper care of a forklift battery is crucial to extending its life and maintaining performance. Here are some important steps for proper care:

Regular charging: Charge the battery regularly before it becomes too drained. Ideally, the battery should not be discharged below 20-30% of its capacity to avoid deep discharge.
Charge cycles: Try to minimize the number of charge and discharge cycles as these affect the life of the battery.
Correct charging voltage: Use a suitable charger that provides the correct charging voltage and current for the battery. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Monitor water level: Monitor the water level in the battery cells regularly. If necessary, add demineralized water after loading to ensure panels are always adequately covered. But be careful not to exceed the correct filling level.
Keep clean: Keep the battery surface clean and dry to avoid corrosion. Avoid placing foreign materials on the battery.
Ensure ventilation: Make sure the area where the battery is placed is well ventilated to prevent gas buildup.
Temperature Control: Protect the battery from extreme temperatures, both excessive heat and cold, as this can affect performance.
Maintenance: Perform regular inspections to detect signs of damage or acid leaks. Contact professionals if you notice any problems.
Degassing: If the battery degasses heavily during operation, a degassing system may be required to ensure safety in the working environment.
Training: Make sure the people working with the battery are trained and know proper safety precautions.

Exact care requirements may vary depending on battery type and manufacturer. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s specific recommendations and seek professional assistance if necessary. Proper care will not only extend battery life but also ensure workplace safety.

The lifespan of a forklift battery depends on a variety of factors, including the type of battery, proper care and maintenance, usage, and operating conditions. However, as a general rule, you can expect that a well-maintained lead-acid forklift battery can last about 5 to 7 years or longer.

Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of a forklift battery:

Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including monitoring water levels, equalizing, cleaning and inspection, can extend battery life.
Loading and unloading processes: Proper handling of the loading and unloading processes is crucial. Deep discharging or overcharging can shorten the lifespan of the battery.
Usage: The frequency and intensity of use of the battery can affect its lifespan. Batteries used in demanding 24/7 industrial applications can age more quickly.
Operating Conditions: Environmental conditions such as temperature and ventilation can affect battery life. Extremely high or low temperatures can affect the battery.
Battery Type: The type of battery, be it lead-acid, gel or other technology, can affect its lifespan. Battery types such as lithium-ion batteries can have longer lifespans.

It is important to note that the lifespan of a forklift battery depends heavily on its proper care and handling. Following battery manufacturer recommendations and regular maintenance are critical to maximizing battery life and minimizing replacement battery costs.

The weight of a forklift battery varies depending on its capacity and size, as well as the battery material used. In general, forklift batteries weigh quite a bit due to their lead-acid composition and size. Here are approximate weight ranges for typical forklift batteries:

Small battery	Medium-sized battery	Large battery
450 kg to 900 kg	900 kg to 1,360 kg	from 1.360 kg (special cases with over 2,000 kg)

It is important to note that the weight of the battery is an important factor when considering the forklift’s load capacity and stability during operation. The exact specifications and weight of the battery are usually provided on the battery label or in the battery manufacturer’s technical documentation to ensure that the forklift can be operated safely.

Yes, a forklift battery can be used as solar storage in certain cases, but there are some important considerations and limitations to keep in mind:

Capacity and Voltage: Forklift batteries are typically designed for use in forklifts and have a specific capacity and voltage. If you want to use it as solar storage, you need to make sure the battery capacity and voltage match your solar power system.
Lifespan: Forklift batteries are typically designed to withstand frequent charge and discharge cycles, which is typical in a forklift operation. Solar batteries often require fewer cycles but longer discharges. Battery life can be affected by such discharges.
Depth of charge and discharge: You must ensure that you do not discharge the forklift battery too deeply as this can shorten its lifespan. A battery management system (BMS) can be helpful here to monitor the depth of discharge.
Charger and inverter: You need a suitable charger and inverter to charge the battery with solar energy and use the stored electricity.
Environmental Regulations: Follow local regulations for disposal and recycling of lead-acid batteries when the battery is at the end of its life.

Before using a forklift battery as solar storage, we strongly recommend checking the battery manufacturer’s specific requirements and recommendations and, if necessary, seeking professional advice from renewable energy experts. There are also specially designed solar batteries on the market that are optimized for solar use and may be more suitable than forklift batteries.