How to Extend the Life of Your Forklift Battery

January 6, 2022 12:27 am Published by Leave your thoughts

One of the modern marvels of industry is the forklift. It’s a large machine that makes moving merchandise around a warehouse an easy task. It can also help speed up the process of unloading trucks—that is, if the battery works.

Forklift batteries are more important to a warehouse’s efficiency than most people think. This is why it’s so crucial to know how to extend a forklift battery’s life. If you or your employees are using a forklift a lot, you don’t want to be forced to replace the battery every year. Here’s how to prolong a forklift battery’s life.

Charge the battery properly

If you want to extend your forklift battery’s life, you’ll need to know how to charge it properly, if you don’t already. The first tip is to only charge it when the battery has between 20 and 30 percent of its charge remaining. You don’t want to drain the battery completely, nor do you want to charge it when it doesn’t need it.

The second key charging tip is to let the battery charge completely before unplugging it. This is important because forklift batteries’ lifespans are measured by charge cycles, and the more charge cycles you put it through, the quicker you’ll need to replace it.

The final charging tip is to not let discharged batteries sit around too long, as this could cause unwanted chemical buildup inside the battery.

Have a battery watering schedule

To prolong the life of a forklift battery, you’ll want to closely monitor and maintain its fluid levels, specifically the water. Forklift batteries need water to run, and over time, that water level can drop, exposing the battery’s components to air, which can be harmful.

Check your forklift battery’s water regularly and keep a documented schedule so you know when you last filled your forklift battery’s water and how much you put in. Just make sure the water is distilled and that you don’t overfill the battery compartment.

Test the battery

While you can get some information from your forklift battery itself, if you’re trying to extend your forklift battery’s life, more information would be better. You can and should call in an expert to test not only your forklift battery itself, but the charger as well. Doing this will prolong the forklift battery’s life, as you’ll likely be able to catch minor problems before they become major issues.

Equalize the battery

Some forklift batteries require equalizing, while others do not. You’ll need to check your specific forklift battery to be sure. If yours needs it, make sure equalizing is part of the regular maintenance schedule, and utilize the “equalize” setting on the charger to extend your forklift battery’s life.

Clean the battery

Like any type of maintenance, keeping your forklift battery clean will help to keep it running. You can use warm water or specially made battery cleaner to clean the top of your forklift battery and stave off any possible corrosion. Check your warranty before cleaning, as cleaning may be required to keep the warranty valid. You should clean your forklift battery once per month.

Call for your forklift battery today

Understanding how to prolong your forklift battery’s life can be extremely helpful, and at Remis Power Systems, we understand why this is such a priority. If you need a new industrial battery, or require battery maintenance or repair, call our helpful and knowledgeable experts today.

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