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Founded in 1926, the company manufactured deep-cycle flooded lead-acid batteries. The product range later expanded to include AGM and Lithium-Ion batteries. Today, these battery types are commonly used in lift and aerial work platform equipment, giving rental companies and equipment owners options for power, longevity, low carbon footprint and cost-effectiveness to suit their needs.

With a selection spanning a century of innovations, choosing the right one depends on how its specific characteristics align with the qualities you are seeking.

Flooded Lead-Acid( FLA)

Flooded lead-acid batteries remain a reliable and cost-effective option. Improvements to these types of deep-cycle batteries include increased initial capacity, faster cycle-up to peak capacity and improved cycle life. FLA batteries are safe, reliable, low-cost and offer a wide range of capacities. They are also essentially 100 % recyclable – the highest in the industry. Advantages:

• Most cost-effective

• Nearly 100 % recyclable

• Long cycle life

• Extremely reliable and used in many industries worldwide

• Heavy( compared to Li batteries of the same voltage and amp-hour rating, but is often used as a counterweight / balance on some equipment) Disadvantages:

• Should not be discharged beyond 50 % of its charge( Depth of Discharge)

• Requires monthly maintenance

• Requires ventilation

Absorbed Glass Mat( AGM)

AGM batteries have the electrolyte absorbed in special glass mat separators that surround the battery’ s electrodes, immobilizing it. This design allows the battery to be sealed with a special one-way valve to control gassing and water loss. Thus, eliminating the need to add water for near maintenance-free operation. The cell design also prevents electrolyte leakage in even the most extreme conditions. They are an excellent option for applications where batteries are difficult to access for regular maintenance and are also nearly 100 % recyclable. Advantages:

• Minimal maintenance

• Nearly 100 % recyclable

• Spill-proof and shock-resistant

• Withstands colder temperatures compared to FLA and Li batteries

• Better in tight battery compartments with less ventilation

• Low self-discharge rate

• Heavy( compared to Li batteries of the same voltage and amp-hour rating, but often used as a counterweight / balance on some equipment) Disadvantages:

• Higher in initial cost than FLA batteries of the same voltage and amp-hour rating

• Shorter cycle life than FLA batteries

Lithium-ion( LFP)

Lithium-ion batteries deliver peak power consistently over extended periods, so the power doesn’ t degrade as the charge runs low. These batteries typically have an integrated battery management system( BMS), which is needed to regulate temperatures during charging and discharging. Some have special cell packaging for cooling, while others also have built-in heaters for use in extreme cold temperatures.

Deep-cycle Lithium-ion batteries typically offer higher average cycle life than FLA and AGM batteries( 2,000 to 5,000 cycles) and, unlike other chemistries, can be discharged beyond 50 percent Depth of Discharge( DOD) without reducing cycle life. Lithium batteries also require no special maintenance and are lighter than FLA or AGM batteries. Lithium batteries also come at a higher initial cost than FLA and AGM chemistries. Currently, only a small percentage of lithium-ion batteries are recycled, necessitating special and costly disposal methods. Advantages:

• Zero maintenance

• Charge and discharge performance optimized by internal BMS

• Longer cycle life

• Low self-discharge rate

• UL Certification and IP65-approved cases on 24V or 48V models

• Reduced weight compared to FLA and AGM batteries of similar voltage and amp-hour ratings Disadvantages:

• Higher upfront cost than FLA or AGM batteries

• Very low rate of recyclability

• Some Li cells are better than others( check with the manufacturer)

• Reduced weight may not work well as a counterweight( balance) for some equipment No matter what battery type you choose, each comes with 100 years of U. S. Battery’ s commitment to developing upgraded components that improve the performance and reliability of all the company’ s products. For more information, visit www. usbattery. com.

U. S. Battery Manufacturing 1675 Sampson Avenue, Corona, CA 92879 /( 800) 695-0945 / www. usbattery. com

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