Lithium Vs. AGM Vs. Lead Acid Batteries

1/11/2023

The three battery options are lead acid, AGM, and Lithium. Lead acid is standard for our Push-Around Series and Pro Series scissor lifts, AGM is the standard for our Zero-Turn Series lifts, and Lithium is an upgrade option for both our Pro Series and Zero-Turn Series lifts. Each battery choice has its pros and cons which will impact the machine's cost and performance. Making an informed decision to choose the right battery can help you increase your ROI. 

Lead Acid, AGM, and Lithium comparison table

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries are the cheapest upfront option when considering what battery to choose for your Hy-Brid Lift. However, there are some unexpected costs down the road that make lead acid batteries cost more than intended. 

When using lead acid batteries, over the span of 10 years you will have to replace 14 lead acid batteries and check and top off the water level over 120 times. Say each replacement battery is $125, which is already $1750 in maintaining your scissor lift not even considering the price for a worker doing a water check. Compared to Lithium batteries, the cost of lead acid batteries will cost 4-6 times the cost of using a lithium battery over 10 years.

AGM Batteries

Absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries are spill-proof sealed lead acid batteries that require some maintenance.  AGM batteries have thin fiberglass mats which are saturated in acid and soldered into place before being compressed between the lead plates, effectively holding the battery’s electrolyte in place. AGM is a better option than standard lead acid when considering which battery to choose for your new scissor lift.

AGM batteries are a safer option compared to lead acid batteries because there is no need to water an AGM battery so workers are no longer exposed to the acid from the battery. However, there is some gas that vents out from the battery. 

AGM has a slightly longer life expectancy along with more charge cycles. The charge time for AGM batteries is around the same as a lead acid battery.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are the best option for your scissor lifts to increase your return on investment. Lithium batteries cost the most upfront but are the longest-lasting, most efficient battery for your scissor lift. Additionally, safety is improved because there is no battery acid to worry about.

Lithium increases ROI because you do not need to replace or maintain the battery for over 10 years. Within that same timeframe, you would have replaced your lead acid batteries at least seven times.

No maintenance lithium batteries can be stored as long as you need without charging. When charging the battery, you don't have to worry about reducing the battery life from opportunity charging, and charge times are significantly shorter due to a simpler charge process. With lithium, run times are longer because you can use more of the available amp-hours without damaging the battery allowing you to spend less time worrying about your battery and more time on more important tasks.

What are the Benefits of Lithium Batteries?

At Hy-Brid Lifts, we continue to innovate to find new solutions to make our scissor lifts as maintenance-free as possible. This includes providing a better, maintenance-free battery option that helps increase your ROI. From slow charge time to frequent battery changes lead acid batteries are just not worth the hassle. Lithium provides a maintenance-free, better return on investment, and more efficient battery solution. 

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The premier provider of access equipment offering articulated booms, scissor lifts, telehandlers, and vertical masts.