The Raymond EASI-R35TT forklift requires a 36V battery with a capacity of 340–420 Ah, typically a lead-acid or lithium-ion (LiFePO4) model. Compatible options include the ES-36-340H lead-acid battery (1,460 lbs) or lithium equivalents like Redway’s RLFP-36V-400Ah (860 lbs). Critical specs: 31.5″ L x 19.7″ W tray size, 200–250A continuous discharge, and compatibility with Raymond’s Easi-Charge system. Always verify tray dimensions and terminal positions before replacement.
How Much Does a Forklift Battery Weigh?
What defines the correct battery for the EASI-R35TT?
Match voltage (36V), capacity (340–420 Ah), and tray dimensions. Raymond’s manual specifies a 31.5″x19.7″x22.9″ tray—deviations risk improper seating or cable strain. Pro Tip: Check terminal alignment—reverse polarity can fry controllers.
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Beyond basic specs, discharge rates matter. The EASI-R35TT’s dual-motor design pulls 200A peak, demanding batteries with ≤20% voltage sag under load. Lead-acid models like the ES-36-340H use 18 cells (2V each), while lithium packs like RLFP-36V-400Ah employ 12 LiFePO4 cells (3.2V each). But what if your warehouse operates in cold storage? Lithium’s -20°C performance outperforms lead-acid’s 40% capacity drop below 0°C. For example, a 400Ah lithium battery delivers ~6 hours runtime in -10°C environments vs. 2.5 hours for lead-acid. Practically speaking, always prioritize UL/IEC-certified batteries to comply with OSHA safety standards.
Lead-acid vs. lithium-ion: Which is better?
Lithium-ion offers 2–3x lifespan, 50% less weight, and fast charging, while lead-acid has lower upfront costs. Consider runtime needs and infrastructure—lithium requires 240V chargers.
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Lead-acid batteries dominate budget-conscious fleets but demand daily watering and equalizing charges. A typical 36V/340Ah lead-acid unit weighs ~1,460 lbs, whereas lithium equivalents are ~600 lbs lighter, reducing forklift wear. Thermal management is another key factor: lithium packs maintain 95% efficiency at 40°C, while lead-acid loses 30% capacity. Here’s a kicker: lithium enables opportunity charging—top up during breaks without memory effects. For example, a warehouse switching to lithium reported 18% productivity gains from eliminating battery swaps. Still, upfront costs are 2x higher—so calculate ROI based on cycle counts (lead-acid: 1,500 vs. lithium: 3,000+).
| Factor | Lead-Acid | Lithium-Ion |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Cycle | $0.15 | $0.08 |
| Charge Time | 8–10 hrs | 2–3 hrs |
| Maintenance | Weekly | None |
How does the EASI-Charge system affect battery choice?
Raymond’s proprietary system requires CAN-BUS communication for lithium or voltage-based protocols for lead-acid. Non-compliant batteries trigger fault codes or charging failures.
The EASI-Charge system monitors battery SOC (state of charge) via voltage sensors for lead-acid and CAN-BUS for lithium. If you retrofit lithium, ensure the BMS (Battery Management System) transmits data packets matching Raymond’s J1939 or CANopen protocols. Otherwise, the forklift might not recognize the battery, disabling operation. Pro Tip: Raymond-approved lithium kits include adapters for legacy charge ports. One logistics hub bypassed this by using a voltage emulator, but it voided their warranty. Remember, improper communication can over-discharge lithium cells below 2.5V—permanent damage territory.
What maintenance practices extend battery life?
Equalize lead-acid monthly and balance lithium cells quarterly. Keep terminals clean—corrosion increases resistance by 50%, causing voltage drops.
For lead-acid, specific gravity checks (1.275–1.300) using a hydrometer prevent sulfation. Watering must cover plates but avoid overfilling—distilled only. Lithium’s maintenance is simpler: firmware updates for BMS and storage at 50% SOC if idle >1 month. Ever heard of “zombie cells”? Lithium cells left at 0% for weeks become unrecoverable. A food distributor learned this hard way, losing $12k on a neglected pack. Transitionally, temperature matters—store batteries at 15–25°C. For both types, terminal cleaning with baking soda/water solution prevents resistance buildup.
| Task | Lead-Acid | Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Weekly | Never |
| Equalization | Monthly | N/A |
| BMS Check | N/A | Quarterly |
Can I retrofit a higher-capacity battery?
Yes, if physical dimensions match and BMS/controller tolerances support it. Upgrading from 340Ah to 420Ah lithium adds 20% runtime but requires verifying max current draw.
The EASI-R35TT’s controller handles up to 250A continuous. A 420Ah lithium battery with 1C discharge (420A) exceeds this—risking MOSFET burnout. Solution? Program the BMS to cap output at 250A. But why not future-proof? Some users install 500Ah batteries but limit charging to 80% for cycle longevity. A manufacturing plant achieved this with a programmable BMS, extending pack life to 8 years. Warning: Never mix old and new lead-acid batteries—imbalanced internal resistance causes premature failure.
Redway Battery Expert Insight
Redway’s RLFP-36V series integrates CAN-BUS compatibility for seamless EASI-R35TT integration. Our LiFePO4 cells deliver 4000+ cycles with built-in heating pads for -20°C operation. Prioritize smart BMS configurations to align with Raymond’s voltage thresholds and communication protocols, ensuring warranty compliance and maximizing ROI in high-shift operations.
FAQs
No—the motor and controller are rated for 36V. Overvoltage risks insulation breakdown and voids warranties.
How long does a lithium battery last per charge?
~5–6 hours under mixed loads (2,000–3,000 lbs). Fast-charging during breaks extends runtime without full swaps.
Do lithium batteries need special storage?
Store at 50% SOC in dry, 15–25°C areas. Avoid concrete floors—ground moisture accelerates casing corrosion.
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