What Is BA MS 320 20 Forklift Battery?
The BA MS 320 20 is a 48V 630Ah lead-acid forklift battery designed for Class I/IV electric industrial trucks. Built with robust tubular plates and thick separators, it delivers 320Ah per cell (20-cell configuration) for extended shift operations. Optimal for cold storage (down to -30°C) due to high electrolyte density, it supports 1,500+ cycles at 80% DoD with weekly equalization charging. Compatible with standard forklift battery compartments up to 2,500mm length.
48V 630Ah Lithium Forklift Battery – Heavy-Duty
What are the technical specifications of BA MS 320 20?
The BA MS 320 20 operates at 48V nominal with 630Ah capacity (C5 rating). Its 20-cell design uses 2V lead-acid cells weighing 62kg each, totaling 1,240kg. Charge voltage peaks at 58.4V (2.92V/cell) with 15–18% overcharge allowance. Pro Tip: Use adaptive chargers with temperature compensation (±3mV/°C/cell) to prevent sulfation in sub-zero environments.
The battery’s tubular positive plates provide 20% longer cycle life versus flat-plate designs. Electrolyte density ranges 1.26–1.28 g/cm³ for cold-weather resilience. A 200A 5-second discharge rate suits intermittent high-load applications like pallet jacks. For example, a BA MS 320 20 powers a 3-ton forklift for 6–8 hours per charge. Practically speaking, regular equalization cycles (every 10 discharges) are critical—skip them, and capacity drops 15% within 6 months.
| Parameter | BA MS 320 20 | Lithium-ion Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 1,500 cycles | 3,000+ cycles |
| Charging Time | 8–10 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Operating Temp | -30°C to 50°C | -20°C to 60°C |
How does BA MS 320 20 compare to lithium forklift batteries?
BA MS 320 20 prioritizes upfront cost savings, while lithium-ion (LiFePO4) offers long-term ROI. Lead-acid requires watering and equalization, whereas lithium batteries are maintenance-free. Pro Tip: For multi-shift operations, lithium’s opportunity charging reduces downtime by 67%.
Though lithium batteries have 2–3x higher upfront costs, their 8–10 year lifespan (vs. 3–5 years for lead-acid) lowers total cost per cycle. However, the BA MS 320 20’s cold-weather tolerance makes it ideal for unheated warehouses. Imagine running a lead-acid forklift in a -25°C freezer—lithium would require costly battery heaters. Transitionally, hybrid systems using lithium for indoor use and lead-acid for cold storage optimize fleet efficiency.
What maintenance does BA MS 320 20 require?
The BA MS 320 20 needs weekly electrolyte checks and quarterly equalization. Use distilled water to maintain plates 10–15mm submerged. Pro Tip: Install automatic watering systems to reduce maintenance time by 80%.
Post-discharge, recharge within 24 hours to prevent sulfation. Monthly terminal cleaning with sodium bicarbonate solution prevents resistance spikes. For example, a poorly maintained BA MS 320 20 loses 200Ah capacity within a year. But what if you skip watering? Exposed plates sulfate, causing hot spots during charging. Transitionally, implement a digital log for watering and equalization—operators using reminders report 40% longer battery life.
What charging system suits BA MS 320 20?
Use 48V industrial chargers with IUoU profile: bulk charge at 58.4V, absorption at 56.4V, and float at 54V. Avoid fast chargers exceeding 0.2C (126A) to prevent grid corrosion. Pro Tip: Program chargers to pause if cell temperature exceeds 50°C during charging.
Charging typically takes 8–10 hours. Opportunity charging during breaks is possible but requires voltage to stay above 46V (80% SoC). In real-world terms, a 100A charger refills 80% capacity in 5 hours. However, frequent partial charges without weekly full cycles accelerate stratification. Why risk it? Install chargers with forced electrolyte mixing to counteract stratification automatically.
| Charger Type | Charge Time | Cycle Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (80A) | 10 hours | 1,500 cycles |
| Fast (150A) | 6 hours | 1,100 cycles |
What factors affect BA MS 320 20 lifespan?
Discharge depth and temperature are critical: 80% DoD yields 1,500 cycles vs. 50% DoD at 2,200 cycles. Below -15°C, capacity drops 25% but recovers at warmer temps. Pro Tip: Install battery insulation blankets in freezers to maintain electrolyte fluidity.
Vibration from rough terrain cracks lead plates—use padded compartments. Transitionally, a BA MS 320 20 in a smooth-floor warehouse lasts 5 years, while construction sites see 3-year lifespans. Ever seen a forklift with shaky batteries? That’s 20% capacity loss knocking. Regular load tests every 6 months identify weak cells early, preventing cascading failures.
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Check weekly—add distilled water when plates are exposed. Under heavy use, watering every 5 cycles prevents acid stratification.
Can I replace BA MS 320 20 with lithium?
Yes, but verify compartment dimensions and charger compatibility. Lithium batteries weigh 60% less, requiring counterbalance adjustments.
What’s the cost difference vs. lithium?
BA MS 320 20 costs $4,000–$6,000; equivalent lithium packs run $12,000–$15,000 but save $3,000/year in maintenance and energy.