Just offered 18.5 cents/lb for 8 volt "forklift batteries"

softdown

These batteries got turned out to pasture because they no longer did the job needed. I am trying to buy eight at ~ 270 lbs/each.

This is a grand experiment. I can get .20 lb/ for car batteries. .17/ lb for forklift batteries. So....other than sore muscles and a little risk....not a big downside that I see.

Each 270/lb battery has four 2 volt cells. They are showing ~5.5 to 7.5 volts each. Hoping a few are salvageable.

BB.

We had a poster a few years ago from Hawaii that bought used forklift batteries (such as 36 volt) and would jumper out "bad cells" to get a 24 volt battery--And was very happy with the results to run his fabrication business off grid.

-Bill

softdown

The seller is able to get .23/lb. Perhaps this is after shipping and cutting out a middleman. We have arrived at .20 and they will load. I am paying for plastic casing instead of metal casing....bit of a relief there. This has potential.

Now for the "challenge" of charging 8 volt batteries to see exactly what state they are in. Removed at the same time yet the voltage ratings fluctuated a lot....from ~5.5 to ~7.5.

softdown

Looks like driving down washboard roads somehow brought up the voltage readings:
1) 6.0    volts
2) 6.1
3) 6.2
4) 6.8
5) 7.1
6) 7.9
7) 8.1
8) 8.2

Mfg: 02/08
Put in service: 08/08
8 Hr Cap: 440
S.G.: 1.24 - 1.26....per the spec sheet
Cost New: $1417 for 270 lb battery. That should buy a decent battery.
Mfr: EnerSys

They want to sell me a similar batch of slightly larger batteries that have been sitting longer....I think. I believe they all read 5.6 volts as memory serves.  I got some 5.6 volt readings from the batteries I just bought home. So....jostling down a rough road brought up the voltage readings about .4/volts....from 5.6 volts to 6.0 volts for example.

Anybody got a bright idea for charging these fellars up? Hoping I can dis-assemble the banks. Each bank hold four 2V cells. I'd like to see what I got before making fancy, expensive interconnects.

Judging by the S.G. readings.....these batteries may be built with longevity in mind.

westbranch

Why didn't your 'source' sell you the connecting bars ?  If he was the one that dismantled them he should have them...!  And what happened to the metal 'cage' they would have been in?

do they look like these?  http://www.ebay.com/itm/24-Volt-Forklift-Battery-510-AH-Reconditioned-Battery-12-85-13-/182264426385

softdown

Each bank puts out eight volts.......four 2 volt cells. There are bus bars between the four cells.

Perhaps there is a simple solution. I have been in hyper drive for the past few days. One emergency after another.

They came in a plastic cage. Seven of the eight came with a 3/0 cable.

They are forklift type batteries though not used on a forklift. Just a little to heavy to move by hand.