kelly_yo,
Sealed battery already installed on Komatsu hybrid model marketed in Japan's domestic market this April. I beleive this is the first installation of sealed battery on commercial production model.
No maintenance of electrolyte, as you stated, is the advantage of sealed battery vs. open battery.
It's hard to tell how this type of battery extends its stake in the forklift industry. Charging time again will be a critical point against fuel cell system which is steadly approaching year by year to be commercialized.
Battery manufacturers appeared very cautious in broadening their product range for electric foklift truck application with the same reason, coming of fuel cells.
By the way, kelly_yo, where are you about in Tokyo?
Ciao, Tateo