July 5, 2018: Dutch machinery manufacturer Engels Machines has opted for AGM batteries for its asparagus harvesting machines as replacements for the old lead acid batteries it was using, owner Chris Engels said on July 3.

But Engels said more expensive lithium batteries would be a prime contender if they lasted as long as they were supposed to.

Batteries are used in 10,000 AspergeSpinnen machines — asparagus harvesters — across Europe, boosting production by 250% compared with harvesting by hand.

But now some of the machines have been fitted with Varta AGM batteries from JCI, instead of flooded batteries.

While the company is focusing on AGM batteries now because of cost, some machines are also being fitted with lithium batteries, Engels told BESB.

“Lithium is a good possibility for the future, because the weight of the battery is the main thing. If over 10 years it is more cost effective to buy the more expensive lithium batteries that is what we will do.”

The company first fitted lithium batteries last season, and each of the machines that contained them were fitted with one 24V battery pack, which the company said was very reliable.

The pack has a weight reduction of 62% and a volume reduction of 50%, can be charged in two hours and should last 10 asparagus seasons, the firm says.

AGM batteries were fitted this year as standard — with two 12V deep cycle batteries per pack.

The advantages of AGM are the 80% DOD capability, lack of need for topping up and above all, cost. But AGM batteries are predicted to last just five seasons.