The 12-125-13-101-B-Group battery is a 12V, 125Ah lead-acid unit designed for material-handling equipment. Built in the BCI Group 13 case, it delivers 1.5kWh energy with 300–500 cycles at 50% DoD. Ideal for class I–III forklifts, its low self-discharge rate (3–5% monthly) suits intermittent use. Charging requires 14.4–14.8V absorption, with thermal compensation critical to prevent sulfation below 10°C.
What voltage and capacity define this battery?
A 12V nominal voltage and 125Ah capacity enable balanced power for 1–3 ton forklifts. At 20-hour discharge rates, it sustains 6.25A continuously. Pro Tip: Always verify terminal type (SAE vs. L-post)—mismatched connectors cause voltage drops.
Wholesale lithium golf cart batteries with 10-year life? Check here.
Technically, the 12-125-13-101-B uses lead-calcium grids for reduced water loss. Unlike lithium, its energy density caps at ~30Wh/kg, necessitating larger space. For example, a standard forklift requires 6–8 batteries for 72V systems, adding ~900kg. Practical limitation? Cold cranking amps (CCA) aren’t prioritized—focus instead on deep-cycle endurance. Ever wonder why these units thrive in warehouses? Consistent partial-state-of-charge use aligns perfectly with lead-acid’s strengths.
| Parameter | 12-125-13-101-B | Equivalent Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 500 cycles | 3,000+ |
| Weight | 34kg | 15kg |
| Cost | $200–$300 | $1,200+ |
How does temperature affect performance?
Lead-acid efficiency drops 20% below 20°C and risks freezing below -15°C. Above 40°C, water loss accelerates, requiring monthly electrolyte checks.
Want OEM lithium forklift batteries at wholesale prices? Check here.
Electrochemically, temperature impacts viscosity and ion mobility. At 0°C, internal resistance doubles, reducing usable capacity by 30–40%. Conversely, high heat increases self-discharge by 0.1%/°C. Imagine a forklift in a refrigerated warehouse: daily runtime might drop from 6 to 4 hours without battery heaters. Pro Tip: Insulate battery compartments and use AGM variants for vibration-prone environments. How to mitigate seasonal issues? Temperature-compensated chargers adjust voltage by -3mV/°C per cell to prevent over/undercharging.
What’s the cycle life compared to lithium?
With 300–500 cycles at 50% DoD, it lasts 1–2 years under daily use. Lithium alternatives offer 2,000+ cycles but cost 4x upfront.
Cycle degradation in lead-acid stems from positive grid corrosion and sulfation. Each 10% depth-of-discharge increase below 50% halves cycle life. For instance, discharging to 70% (30% remaining) reduces lifespan to 150 cycles. Practically speaking, warehouses with two-shift operations should budget biannual replacements. Why stick with lead-acid? Lower initial investment offsets frequent swaps if usage is light. Lithium’s upfront cost only breaks even after 3+ years of heavy cycling.
| Factor | 12-125-13-101-B | LiFePO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Interval | 18–24 months | 8–10 years |
| Maintenance | Weekly watering | None |
| Disposal Cost | $15–$30 | $0 (recyclable) |
Redway Battery Expert Insight
While traditional lead-acid batteries like the 12-125-13-101-B dominate budget fleets, Redway Battery advocates transitioning to lithium-ion for high-utilization settings. Our LiFePO4 solutions offer 80% capacity retention after 2,000 cycles, zero maintenance, and 50% weight savings—key for electric forklifts prioritizing uptime and ergonomics.
48V 450Ah/456Ah Forklift Lithium Battery
FAQs
Only with compatible BMS and charging profiles—lithium’s voltage curve differs. Retrofit kits often need controller reprogramming.
How often should I water the cells?
Check monthly, topping up with distilled water post-charging. Avoid overfilling—electrolyte expansion can cause leaks.
Does cold storage damage these batteries?
Store at 10–25°C. Below freezing, fully charge to prevent electrolyte freezing, which can crack casings.
