For 5 years on an average, a forklift battery can last for a single-shift operation. If you take proper care and maintain it regularly then it can extend battery life up to ten years. To extend the life of your forklift battery here are these easy Do’s and Don’ts when charging, operating and handling forklift batteries as follows;

Do’s:-

-Always keep the contact surfaces neat and clean, also check the condition of the charging plug and socket regularly. Make sure that the top of the battery is clean and dry.

-Check the specific gravity reading using a hydrometer once done to maintain the records of readings.

-While charging with the battery compartment lid open, always assist air-cooling and ventilation.

-Before disconnecting the battery switch off the charger.

-Always make sure that all connections and bolted terminals are tight and covered with petroleum jelly. When you want to replace or remove the terminal it’s better to use insulated tools.

-Every time you get your forklift battery checked by a trained forklift battery maintenance specialist. The person must even inspect battery water levels once a week. If water (distilled) is required, check if each battery cell is not overfilled. Also, clean corrosion on top of batteries once a month.

Don’t:-

-Never try to pick the forklift battery. Forklift batteries can weigh up to 3,000 lbs. Not only this but no person or team of people should attempt to lift a forklift battery. Use equipment like a pallet jack equipped with a transfer carriage.

-You must not undercharge or overcharge the battery. Always use the correct type and size of the charger approved.

-Never underfill or overfill during the adjustment levels of electrolyte. This is the reason why batteries get premature failure.

-Always avoid having a contact of naked flames or smoke in the vicinity of the battery. This would lead to a hazardous situation.

-Don’t charge the battery for a duration longer than required if you want to restore the capacity of the battery which has been used.

-Even if you are an expert still never try to reset the charger by yourself.

-Don’t swap your forklift battery mid-shift. It’s because of the favorable time for charging forklift battery fully is between 20%-30%. Opportunity charging a battery with a 50%-60% battery charge left will waste the remaining 20%-30% charge as well as a charging cycle. This will waste the stored energy in your battery and would reduce its useful life by one charge cycle.

You should never add acid to the cells. If you meet an electrolyte loss, contact the manufacturer’s service department. Also, never overfill or underfill the adjustment levels for the electrolyte. As there would be a premature failure of the battery.

This article is provided by Industrial Batteries & Accessories LTD. Visit our website at https://www.industrial-batt.com/ or stop by our shop at 7171 Torbram Road, Unit # 29 MISSISSAUGA, ON L4T4W3