Understanding Battery Boosters in Heavy Equipment Operations

[MikePhua]

Battery boosters—also known as jump starters—are portable devices that enable starting vehicles and machinery when onboard batteries are depleted. They act much like jumper cables but without requiring a second vehicle. Designed for diverse applications, these tools are indispensable in environments where downtime isn’t an option .

Types of Battery Boosters: Lithium vs. AGM

• Lithium‑ion booster packs
  • Compact and lightweight
    
  • Easy to carry and ideal for quick jumps
    
  • Deliver high peak power but typically only for brief durations (about 10–15 seconds)
    
  • Performance degrades in very cold temperatures or when extended cranking—e.g., to keep glow plugs active
    
• AGM‑battery (Absorbed Glass Mat) boosters
  • Heavier and more robust
    
  • Better suited for prolonged engine cranking or demanding cold-weather starts
    
  • Often used in fixed or roll‑around setups due to weight and capacity
    

Sizing and Selecting the Right Booster
To choose the appropriate booster:

• Focus on cranking amps (CA): amount of current deliverable continuously (e.g. for 30 seconds at 0 °C)
  
• Check peak amps (PA): maximum instantaneous current output
  
• Match voltage: use 12 V units for standard systems; 12/24 V boosters are needed for dual‑battery or heavy‑duty applications
  

Models can vary widely:

• A 12/24 V heavy-duty unit rated at around 5400 peak amps fits most industrial and construction equipment
  
• More extreme models can exceed 15,500 peak amps for large diesel engines
  

Best Practices for Heavy‑Duty Jump‑Starting
Some experienced technicians recommend the following steps for reliable boosts:

• Use properly sized and charged equipment suited to your engine
  
• Store and maintain your booster—cold storage depletes battery performance; aiming to store above 50 °F is optimal
  
• Attach the negative clamp to a solid engine block or chassis ground—not the battery casing or body panels—to ensure a proper return path
  
• For multi‑battery systems, always connect to the battery closest to the starter to maximize amperage delivery
  
• Preheat glow plugs on diesel vehicles, then allow a recovery interval before cranking to improve success rates
  
• Use a digital system tester to diagnose whether the issue lies with the battery, starter, or alternator
  
• Be mindful of hazards: reversed polarity or cable misuse can cause battery explosions or damage electronics
  

Real‑World Experiences from Practitioners

“The lithium battery boosters work really well… nice because of how small and light they are. The only negative is they aren’t very good if you have to use glow plugs for a while… only provide power for 10 or 15 seconds at a time.”
— Practical insight on lithium limitations

Anecdote: When Cold Weather Hits
A farm operator recounted a bitter‑cold winter where machinery failed to start. The lightweight lithium booster, always onboard, came in handy repeatedly—but during −40 °F conditions, it struggled to sustain cranking. A lesson emerged: lithium excels in convenience, but for subzero demands, pairing with an AGM‑based booster or fixed unit can be lifesaving .

Terminology to Know

• Battery booster / Jump starter: Portable device to start a vehicle when the battery is dead or depleted
  
• Lithium‑ion battery pack: Compact, powerful, but limited in sustained output and cold climate performance
  
• AGM battery: Heavier, rugged, and better suited for prolonged or demanding starts
  
• Cranking Amps (CA): Continuous power delivery capacity
  
• Peak Amps (PA): Maximum instantaneous current output
  
• Glow plugs: Heating elements in diesel engines aiding ignition in cold conditions
  

Recent Trends and News
Compact lithium jump starters are advancing rapidly. For example, a recent review highlights the Gooloo GT6000—a unit under $160 that delivers 6,000 peak amps and easily starts 12.0‑liter diesel engines. It’s small enough to fit in a glove compartment and includes USB ports and a flashlight, making it a versatile yet affordable option .
Meanwhile, as heavy‑duty vehicles transition toward electrification, mobile energy storage solutions—such as charging “power cubes” with capacities reaching into the megawatt range—are emerging. These are designed to rapidly recharge heavy-duty EVs in remote locations lacking permanent infrastructure .

Summary
Battery boosters are vital tools for heavy‑duty equipment operators. Choosing between lithium and AGM styles involves balancing portability against sustained cranking power. Success depends on matching voltage and amp ratings to your machines, practicing safe and proper connections, and maintaining the device. With technological improvements and electrified equipment on the horizon, staying informed ensures your fleet stays moving—even when batteries are down.
Let me know if you'd like deeper comparisons or help picking a model!