Trucks, Farming and Commercial
For Commercial Applications
This service is directed at the farmer or transport operator who is not going down the road to the local battery shop but would prefer to pop into the office and order the battery on the web and have it delivered to the gate, door. Farm appliances use commercial batteries as do other users of trucks to floor polishers. I can't list them all but I do list the batteries for those appliances.
As the name implies, the commercial battery is more robust and is - well more of a beast. They are big, tough and last the distance.
Hardcore
Without a doubt, the Hardcore brand developed in the severe environment of Australian mines is built to avoid costly down time.
Built tough to go the distance, Hardcore features thicker full frame plates to last longer and retain active material. The chemistry technology has Silver Calcium (AgCa) plates to reduce water loss, heat and corrosion resistance.
AgCa offers a wide range of charging voltages from 14.2 to 14.7v working well with earlier machines as well as the latest.
The plates are held against severe vibration with glass mat to eliminate plate shorting and offers plate material retention.
A full range to suit all major heavy machinery from bob cats to 70 ton loaders in all brands such as Hino, Cat and on.
Large and powerful machinery operating in the harshest environments demand batteries of the highest quality and highest capacitiesto survive where ordinary batteries fail in short order.
All lead acid batteries supplied by us are covered by the manufactuers warranty.
Which technology should I use ?
There are four technologies available to us today: Flooded, Maintenance Free, AGM or Gel.
The flooded battery (wet), They are cost effective and ideal for large generator start batteries
The charging voltages are accommodated by almost all off the shelf alternators and AC powered chargers. In applications where multiple banks are use, such as boats and motor homes. They are also used in many house bank applications providing they are insulated from the inhabitants. The flooded battery breaths to the atmosphere and exhails hydrogen and carcinogenic sulphuric mist. This wre the AGM or Gel battery is to be used.
Lead Antinomy Range - flooded
Is your older equipment keeping up with new battery technology?
The Lead Antinomy range utilises resilient Lead Antinomy plate compounds. They are more suited to lower voltage systems found in early model commercial vehicles. The product overcomes issues where later calcium/calcium batteries go flat due to low charge rates of those earlier vehicles.
Applications.
Commercial vehicles with low charge voltages including some 12V trucks, stationery operating roadside service trucks, low revving line haul with large lighting loads and low RPM vehicles.
The lead antinomy plates are robust and durable ensuring long life. Vibration resistant to minimise damage caused by shock and vibration.. Low water loss allows accurate service procedures. listings.. Identified with LA in the product code
Dual Purpose flooded
Where a the dual purpose of start and cycle are needed. The product delivers good cranking ability while providing cyclic operation. A good option where space and or budget does not allow multiple batteries but semi cyclic use is required. Dual terminals afford start and house connections. The lead antinomy plates are robust and durable ensuring long life. Vibration resistant to minimise damage caused by shock and vibration.. Low water loss allows accurate service procedures. A good option for the smaller 'trailered' runabout listings.. Identified with DP in the product code
The AGM battery (absorbed glass matting) also referred to as SLA (Sealed lead acid) or VRLA (Valve regulated lead acid) remains a lead acid battery. The electrolyte is absorbed by glass matting between the plates (a bit like a sponge). The unit is held in a slight positive pressure with a regulating valve to leak off excess pressure when over charged, (at a voltage too high) or over overheated through other circumstances.
An advantage of the AGM is longer cyclic life than the flooded unit and of course, you don't need to top up the electrolyte level. Another plus, generally, the required charging voltage is compatible with the flooded unit. This means you are able to use the AGM as a house bank with the less expensive flooded battery for starting all charged from the same source. A good combination.
A slight down side to the AGM is lack of tolerance to high ambient temperatures. Some makers will halve the warranty period if the unit is to be housed in temperatures exceeding 25 deg C for more than 10 days. Something to consider in the tropics or high temperature engine bays.
The Gel battery. Again, a lead acid battery but the electrolyte is held in a jelly consistency. The advantage of a gel battery is extended cyclic life over the flooded and AGM. No toping up and is also protected by valve regulation. It is considered a superior technology and is found in important rolls such as buses, trucks, the military and higher valued boats. It is more tolerable to high ambient temperatures and complete discharge without damage.
Perhaps a down side, the gel battery requires a lower charging voltage and is therefore not compatible with the other two technologies. Off the shelf alternators must have the internal regulator extracted and an adjustable external regulator installed and adjusted not to exceed say 14.2 volts. (Refer makers recommendation) AC powered chargers are available with a "switchable" Gel option.
Note:
Models of AGM and Gel batteries are available for cyclic duty (as in house, golfcart, forklift) and standby duty (as used in UPS applications in the telecommunication Industries and many other)
They can be mounted in almost any orientation. I say almost as you must avoid vertical installation where the plates are horizontal. You can mount the battery on its side but spun around so the plates are vertical.
This will eliminate the specific gravity of the electrolyte diminishing on the upper most plate and thereby reducing its ability to produce voltage.
Caterpillar have always had their own batteries but that is now changing and a cost effective option is now in place. Endurant is leading the charge and offer the CM4D1050 and CM31-1000 for the caterpillar machinery.
