GETSUP buyer guide · Last reviewed September 18, 2026
Battery voltage and amp-hours describe part of an electric pallet truck’s energy system, but they do not provide a guaranteed runtime or charging time. The truck, battery, charger, route and work pattern must be considered together.
This guide helps buyers prepare the operational and electrical questions that should be resolved before delivery.
Quick answer
Match battery capacity to the real shift pattern, confirm that the supplied charger is approved for the exact battery, verify the site receptacle and circuit, and create a charging procedure based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Never promise runtime from amp-hours alone.
Understand the specification
| Term | What it tells you | What it does not guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage (V) | The nominal electrical system voltage | Compatibility with a different charger or battery |
| Amp-hours (Ah) | A nominal battery-capacity measure | A fixed number of operating hours |
| Charger current (A) | One factor in charging rate | Exact charge time without battery and charger data |
| Battery chemistry | Charging, maintenance and handling characteristics | That all batteries of that chemistry use the same procedure |
| State of charge | Estimated energy remaining | Battery health or remaining service life by itself |
Build a duty-cycle estimate
Provide this information to the supplier and ask how the estimate maps to the specific battery configuration. Where uptime is critical, discuss a larger battery, a second approved battery, a different truck or a charging schedule rather than relying on an optimistic single runtime claim.
- Pallet moves per hour and hours per shift
- Average and maximum load weight
- One-way travel distance and number of starts/stops
- Lift frequency and time spent waiting or idling
- Floor resistance, ramps, thresholds and temperature
- Available breaks for opportunity charging
- Required reserve for peak periods, delays and battery ageing
Confirm charger and site compatibility
- Exact charger make/model and whether it is included
- Compatible battery chemistry, voltage and amp-hour range
- Input voltage, phase, frequency, maximum current and plug type
- Canadian electrical certification mark and installation requirements
- Cord routing, ventilation and clearance from combustibles
- Whether charging is onboard, built-in, external or requires battery removal
- Who will verify the branch circuit and receptacle before delivery
Set up the charging workflow
Designate a protected charging location where the truck can be parked without blocking exits or traffic. Keep the charger and connectors dry, protected from impact and used only as specified. Train workers to inspect for damage, shut down the truck, connect and disconnect in the correct sequence, respond to faults and report heat, odour, swelling, damaged cables or other abnormal conditions.
Lead-acid and lithium systems have different hazards and procedures. Do not copy a lead-acid watering or ventilation routine to a sealed lithium battery, or assume a lithium system has no charging risk. The manual and site risk assessment control.
Questions for delivery and handover
- What state of charge should the battery have on arrival?
- What is the normal charging sequence and indicator behaviour?
- What temperature range is permitted for operation, charging and storage?
- What fault codes require shutdown or service?
- What inspection and maintenance tasks are assigned to the operator?
- What storage procedure applies during extended inactivity?
- What actions could void the battery or charger warranty?
- How are replacement batteries and chargers identified and ordered?
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 20Ah pallet truck battery last?
There is no dependable category-wide answer. Runtime varies with load, route, starts, floor, temperature, lift use, battery condition and operator behaviour. Use a model-specific duty-cycle estimate.
Can I estimate charging time by dividing amp-hours by charger amps?
That calculation may provide only a rough theoretical starting point. Charging losses, tapering, battery-management limits, temperature and starting state of charge affect actual time. Use the manufacturer’s specification.
Can I use any charger with the same voltage?
No. The charger must be approved for the exact battery chemistry, voltage and charging profile, with compatible connectors and site electrical supply.
Is opportunity charging allowed?
Only when the battery and manufacturer permit it. Include charging breaks in the operating plan and follow the specified connection and cooling procedure.
Do lithium batteries need ventilation?
The exact installation and charging controls depend on the battery and charger. Do not assume that a chemistry label removes the need for a risk assessment, clearance, electrical compliance or emergency planning.
Can I charge from a normal wall outlet?
Some compact chargers may use common receptacles, but input requirements are model-specific. Have the supplied charger label and workplace circuit verified before use.
What information should be on the quote?
Ask for battery chemistry, voltage, amp-hours, charger model/current/input, plug, certification, expected charging guidance, warranty and replacement-part details.
What should I do if the battery becomes hot or damaged?
Stop using and charging the equipment, isolate the area as your emergency plan requires, follow the manual and contact qualified service. Do not improvise a repair.
Official references
Related GETSUP resources
Get a model-specific recommendation
Send GETSUP your load, pallet or platform dimensions, aisle or site measurements, operating environment, delivery postal code and target date. Our team can narrow the current options and flag information that still needs to be confirmed before an order.
Contact GETSUP · 905-569-8898 · info@getsupinc.com · Local pickup at 2585 Dunwin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario.