Understanding forklift battery model numbers like 18-85-17 helps interpret critical battery specifications including voltage, capacity, and physical size. Each segment of the model number encodes information about cells, plate design capacity, and the number of plates, providing insights into battery performance and configuration.
The first number, such as 18 in 18-85-17, represents the number of 2-volt cells connected in series within the battery. To find the total voltage, multiply the number of cells by 2 volts. For example, 18 cells x 2 volts = 36 volts total for the battery.
How Is the Plate Design Capacity Represented and What Does It Mean?
The second number, like 85 in the example, signifies the ampere-hour (Ah) rating of each positive plate’s design capacity. This value is not the total battery capacity but is used to calculate it by considering the number of positive plates per cell.
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What Information Does the Third Number Reveal About the Battery?
The third number, always an odd number like 17, shows the total number of alternating positive and negative plates inside each cell. This number reflects the battery’s overall size and design.
How Can I Calculate the Total Ampere-Hour Capacity from the Model Number?
Calculate the number of positive plates per cell: (plates per cell – 1) ÷ 2. Multiply this by the plate design capacity to estimate total ampere-hour capacity. For 18-85-17: (17 – 1) ÷ 2 = 8 positive plates; 8 x 85 Ah = 680 Ah capacity.
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Where Can I Find This Model Number on a Forklift Battery?
You can typically find the model number stamped or printed on the battery’s data tag or plate, and sometimes on the intercell connectors—the metal links joining the cells inside the battery.
Why Is Knowing How to Read Battery Model Numbers Important?
Understanding these numbers helps in selecting compatible replacement batteries that match voltage and capacity requirements, ensures optimal forklift performance, and avoids mismatch issues that affect lift capacity and battery life.
| Segment of Model Number | Representation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Number | Number of 2V Cells | Multiply by 2 to find battery voltage | 18 cells = 36V |
| Second Number | Plate Design Capacity (Ah) | Ampere-hour rating per positive plate | 85 Ah |
| Third Number | Number of Plates per Cell | Total plates, always odd | 17 plates |
Redway Battery Expert Views
“At Redway Battery, accurately interpreting forklift battery model numbers ensures our OEM lithium battery solutions perfectly meet application voltage and capacity needs. This understanding helps operators avoid costly mistakes in battery selection, maintaining forklift efficiency and safety. Our experienced engineers emphasize model number literacy as a foundational step in proper battery maintenance and replacement.” — Senior Product Engineer, Redway Battery
Conclusion
Decoding forklift battery model numbers like 18-85-17 demystifies key battery specifications—voltage, plate design capacity, and internal plate count—enabling informed decisions for battery replacement and maintenance. This precision supports forklift reliability and longevity, where Redway Battery’s expertise delivers tailored OEM lithium options that align seamlessly with model number insights for superior performance.
FAQs
Q: How do I calculate total battery voltage from the model number 18-85-17?
A: Multiply the first number (18 cells) by 2 volts per cell, yielding 36 volts.
Q: What does plate design capacity mean in the model number?
A: It’s the ampere-hour rating for each positive battery plate, used to calculate total capacity.
Q: How do I find the number of positive plates from the total plates?
A: Subtract 1 from total plates and divide by 2; for 17 plates, (17-1)/2 = 8 positive plates.
Q: Where is the battery model number located?
A: Usually on the battery’s data tag or intercell connectors.
Q: Why should I understand forklift battery model numbers before replacing batteries?
A: Correct interpretation ensures compatibility with forklift voltage and capacity requirements, preventing operational issues.
