Top Forklift Battery Tips to Keep It Strong and Efficient

23 Jul 2024

All electrical things are required to be regularly checked and cleaned for a longer and proper run. Like all other electrical items, forklifts are also required to be cleaned and maintain in a regular interval. Forklifts are necessary to maintain orderly operations by efficiently moving and hoisting big objects. Therefore, to maintain their life, it is necessary to take serious and regular precautions to avoid any complications.

The forklift batteries lifespan can be considerably increased with good and regular maintenance. Your forklift battery will operate at its best and save money and downtime. The following is a summary of crucial advice for maintaining forklift batteries:

Prioritize Proper Charging Practices

• Avoid allowing the battery to deplete all the way because deep discharge is damaging. Recharge it ideally when it's between 20 and 30 percent full. Regularly draining a battery to zero dramatically reduces its longevity.
• Establish a practice of completely charging the battery at the end of each workday or shift. This keeps it from sulfating, which harms the battery plates and lowers capacity, and guarantees that it is prepared for use the next day.
• Try to let the charging cycle run of the forklift battery through to the end. If you interrupt it, there may be damage and insufficient charging.
• Make sure the charging space and battery are kept cool and well-ventilated. High temperatures reduce battery life. Use a battery made for high temperatures if you operate the forklift in hot conditions.
• After purchasing the most efficient forklift battery for your warehouse management business, it’s require to maintain regular charging practice of your forklift battery for longer battery life.

Consistent Examination and Cleaning

• Every week, visually inspect the forklift battery. Keep an eye out for signs of breakage, loose cable connections, or corrosion on the terminals. It is better to deal with any problems as soon as possible to avoid more ones.
• Always remember, that at least once a month, clean the top of the battery casing using a baking soda and warm water solution. You can also use a special battery cleaner to clean your forklift battery once a month. This gets rid of any dust, grime, and acid buildup that might be impeding performance.
• It is essential to monitor the electrolyte level in flooded lead-acid batteries (those with removable caps). This is something that a qualified expert should do once a week. Distilled water should only be added after the battery has fully charged to maintain the right electrolyte level of the forklift battery. Never fill to the brim!

Maintaining Electrolyte Health

• Specific Gravity Is Important:

  The electrolyte solution's specific gravity provides information about the battery's charge level. To measure this, use a hydrometer. For the best specific gravity reading for your battery, go to your forklift's handbook and have a trained expert check it regularly.

• Equalization Charging:

  An equalization charge may occasionally be required to maintain a constant voltage between the forklift battery cells. This guarantees peak performance and helps avoid sulfation. However, as it calls for specific tools and techniques, this should only be completed by a qualified specialist.

Additional Practices for Optimal Battery Life

• Don't overload the forklift battery; instead, operate within capacity. Overloading the battery might shorten its life and cause strain.
• During breaks or pauses during the workday, try to capitalize on opportunities for charging, if at all feasible. Quick top-ups can support maintaining ideal battery levels without interfering with daily activities.
• A partially charged battery should be kept in an excellent, dry location when the forklift is not used for prolonged periods. (about 50%). It can be harmful to completely drain the battery while storing it.
• It’s always suggested to have routine electric forklift repair and maintenance for seamless operation of the warehouse management business.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, through following these guidelines and their incorporation into your forklift's upkeep routine, you can guarantee that your forklift battery, operates at peak efficiency and lifetime. With maintaining your forklift battery maintenance, you will notice significant cost savings, less downtime, and improved productivity and better efficiency. Remember, that investing in a well-maintained battery will pay off in the long term. To find the top quality Forklift battery for your warehouse management business, get in touch with The Forkman, your one stop solutions for forklift battery and forklift accessories in South Africa.