Here are essential forklift battery maintenance tips to help preserve battery life and avoid premature replacement costs. Always consult your battery
Here are essential forklift battery maintenance tips to help preserve battery life and avoid premature replacement costs. Always consult your battery provider or a local forklift expert to follow specific maintenance requirements for your battery’s make and model.
Forklift Battery Maintenance Tips
Avoid Overcharging
Never charge a forklift battery beyond 100%. Overcharging generates heat, and remember: Heat damages batteries. Make sure you monitor the charging process and have measures in place to stop charging once the battery reaches full capacity.
Avoid Undercharging
Ensure the battery’s charging cycle completes fully. A partially charged battery will deplete faster, reducing its operating time and affecting productivity.
Prevent Extreme Discharge
Do not let the battery’s charge drop to zero. Recharge when the battery reaches 30% to 50%. Discharging beyond this level can negatively affect its lifespan.
Do Not Store a Discharged Battery
Always store batteries with a full charge. If storing for extended periods, periodically check the charge. A stored battery will lose charge over time, so recharge as necessary.
Understanding Sulfation
When a battery is fully discharged, white sulfuric crystals may form on its lead plates, known as “sulfation.” This severely affects the battery’s ability to hold a charge and is difficult to reverse. To prevent sulfation, store the battery with a full charge.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Both AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and Flooded Batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can cause the liquid in Flooded Batteries to freeze or evaporate, shortening battery life.
Seasonal Storage for Forklift Batteries
For seasonal storage: 1) Charge the battery fully. 2) Check fluid levels before and after charging. Note: Deep cycle batteries should not undergo offseason charging if you cannot inspect fluid levels monthly. 3) Disconnect the negative cable or remove the battery during storage.
Review Your Battery Manual
Always review the battery manual or consult your expert forklift battery provider for specific maintenance tips. They can recommend routines to extend the life and value of your battery.
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