After many years of supporting Saratoga Fruit Estate’s material-handling fleet with traditional lead-acid battery maintenance, Industrial Power (IP), a division of CFAO Equipment, has helped the agricultural operation take the next step in efficiency with a transition to lithium-ion technology.

The move addresses a significant challenge facing the Fruit Estate. The Estate’s lead-acid forklift batteries were deteriorating during the approximately three-month off-peak season when the equipment was not in use. Batteries would sulphate and lose performance, often requiring costly repairs before the start of the next peak season.

Lead-acid batteries also typically require around eight hours to charge, reducing equipment availability during busy production periods.

Industrial Power Sales & Aftermarket Consultant, Carika le Roux, says to address these challenges, IP structured a flexible 60-month rental contract covering four lithium-ion batteries and four chargers, specifically for the Estate’s forklift fleet.

“The rental model reduced the need for a significant upfront capital investment, allowing the customer to preserve capital for other operational requirements.

“The lithium-ion solution also enables opportunity charging, allowing batteries to be charged during operational breaks rather than requiring an extended eight-hour charging period. During the off-season, batteries can be fully charged, switched off and left unused for several months without the deterioration associated with traditional lead-acid technology,” she adds.

Co-owner of Saratoga Fruit Estates, Johann Doms, says the new batteries have resulted in reduced maintenance, improved uptime and more predictable operating costs. “With the new batteries installed, it is almost like we have four new forklifts.”

IP’s relationship with the customer dates back to 2017, when the focus was primarily on repairing and maintaining existing equipment. With lithium-ion technology only introduced to IP’s offering later, the customer has now taken the opportunity to explore a different approach to fleet energy management.

Le Roux says the relationship will continue well beyond the supply of the batteries. “We also provide dedicated one-on-one support, including site visits approximately every three weeks, driver training and 24/7 support. The batteries are also monitored through a live Battery Management System (BMS), allowing IP to track charging, discharge levels and individual cell information and provide regular updates on battery performance.

“By supporting our customers through the transition and ensuring operators understand the correct charging, cleaning and maintenance practices, we can help them maximise their investment and reduce costs over the long term,” she notes.

With lithium-ion batteries also offering an IP65 rating, the technology provides greater flexibility for operations exposed to wet conditions, while Industrial Power continues to emphasise appropriate cleaning and care of electric equipment.