Traditionally, wheelbarrows did not have a motor. They were simple tools that you just had to slide around while in use. However, in recent years, motorized wheelbarrows have been introduced to the market. Motorized wheelbarrows are also known as powered wheelbarrows because they use batteries.
Batteries are essential elements in choosing the best motorized wheelbarrow because they are the power source.
Batteries for motorized wheelbarrows
One of the most important things to consider when choosing the best motorized wheelbarrow is the power source. These products usually have on-board batteries. Their job is to store energy that is used to run the electric motors. The first thing you need to consider when choosing your product is the type of battery. Most on-board batteries come in two forms:
SLA batteries
Sealed lead-acid batteries use gel or absorbent glass mat cells. SLA cells are usually leak-proof and can be operated in any position. This makes them an excellent choice for wheelbarrows as they are prone to tipping and spilling. It's also worth noting that SLA batteries are vibration resistant. They can withstand several hundred charges and discharges while maintaining their quality and effectiveness.
However, if you want your SLA battery to last a long time, be sure to charge it before it drains less than 50%. In addition, they can act as either deep cycle or dual purpose cells. They are designed to deliver large amounts of charge in a short period of time. This feature makes them perfect for auto start.
Note that these batteries tend to drain faster. Usually they lose up to 50 or 60 percent of their charge in less than an hour. However, this also depends on the discharge rate of the battery and its model. It takes 3 to 5 hours to fully charge an SLA battery. However, there are some fast charging options on the market. It takes at least 2 hours to fully charge. Even so, they usually charge more slowly as they get older. While these batteries are relatively important, they have several disadvantages. The disadvantages of SLA batteries for motorized wheelbarrows are:
- They are relatively heavy.
- They expire faster
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the other choice for power sources for motorized wheelbarrows. They are usually light and powerful. This means that they can support large amounts of cycles even when they are completely discharged. However, they are also expensive. If you have a lithium-ion battery, you cannot charge it with any charger. They need to be charged with branded chargers. Using any other charger could cause the batteries to catch fire.
In worse scenarios, batteries can explode when charged with unbranded chargers. A single lithium-ion battery charge can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to a few hours. This also depends on how you plan to use the wheelbarrow. The terrain in which you use the wheelbarrow will also affect how long the battery will last. In addition, the weight load is also a major influencing factor on the battery life. If you own a motorized wheelbarrow with a lithium-ion battery, it is advisable to have more than one battery. In this way, you can replace the discharged battery with a charged one and keep using the tool. This means you don't have to stop working to charge the battery.
Lithium-ion batteries are incredible for motorized wheelbarrows too. However, they also have their drawbacks. The disadvantages are;
- They are expensive
- They require additional maintenance.
Last word
When choosing the best power source for your powered wheelbarrow, you need to consider both types of batteries. Take a look at the pros and cons of each. Also, consider how and where you want to use the tool.
