Floor Cleaning Equipment Batteries Showdown

Deep-cycle lead-acid battery technology is commonly found on the floor cleaning equipment, which means the battery is rechargeable and designed for deep discharge, making it ideal for regular machine use.

Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries generally fall into two distinct categories, flooded (FLA) and valve regulated lead acid (VRLA), with the VRLA type further subdivided into two types, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel. Flooded and AGM are two primary battery types found on floor cleaning equipment. In addition, the latest innovation in battery operated equipment technology is the Lithium Ion (Li-ion) battery.

We’re breaking down the good and the bad of each to make it easier for you to select which battery option would work best for your needs. In general, the three types of batteries that floor cleaning equipment come equipped with are Flooded (Wet), AGM, or Li-ion:

Wet Cells or Flooded Lead Acid Batteries

Wet cell batteries are the original rechargeable batteries. A wet cell battery has a liquid electrolyte. As hydrogen and oxygen gasses are released through the vent caps due to electrolysis, the liquid electrolyte level in the wet cell will gradually lower over time. Therefore, it is important to periodically add distilled water to your flooded batteries. The battery cell temperature and humidity are two factors that affect the rate of this occurrence.

THE GOOD:

Tried and true. Wet cell batteries have been around for a long time. They are widely used in an array of settings from aviation to cell towers to industrial cleaning equipment.

High surge current.

Easy to troubleshoot.

Can handle overcharging.

Inexpensive.

Readily available if a replacement is needed.

THE BAD:

Must be topped off with distilled water periodically.

It’s a heavy battery.

Wet cell batteries must always be kept upright and stored in a well ventilated area.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

In AGM batteries, acid is suspended in a glass mat separator. The electrolyte is held in the glass mats, not freely flooding the plates like a flooded battery. These batteries are totally sealed. Having been originally developed for military use, these batteries are built tough.

THE GOOD:

Maintenance-free (no topping off with water).

Shorter recharge time than flooded lead-acid.

Hold charge better than flooded if the equipment is not regularly operated.

Don’t have to be kept upright.

Easy and safe to transport.

Can fully charge at a lower voltage and accept a higher current charge.

More environmentally friendly than flooded lead-acid.

Discharge significantly less hydrogen gas.

Can be discharged deeper than flooded batteries without major damage.

Can handle higher temperatures.

Self-discharge more slowly than flooded batteries.

THE BAD:

More expensive than a wet-cell battery.

Generally, do not last as long as a properly maintained wet-cell battery.

Overcharging leads to premature failure.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Battery

Regarded as the next generation of energy storage, the lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that is becoming a common replacement for lead-acid batteries. The lithium ions in Li-ion batteries move from the negative electrodes to the positive electrode during discharge and then back during charging.

THE GOOD:

Maintenance-free.

Significantly longer runtimes. The Tennant T1B, for example, comes with an option of AGM or lithium-ion batteries. The lithium-ion batteries provide 20 times longer battery life!

Operational in a wide range of temperatures.

Lightweight.

THE BAD:

Li-ion batteries are the most expensive of the bunch, though longer run times, long battery life, and lack of maintenance help offset the higher initial cost.

When it comes to investing in floor cleaning equipment, there are many details to consider. When making an informed decision in regards to which machine would be best for your unique needs, don’t forget about the battery. Spending more upfront could mean reaping the benefits of higher productivity and longer battery life. In the long run, this saves money. Conversely, an affordable and reliable flooded battery might be just what you need.

-From DDROBO Smart Cleaning Team