That said, if the battery is only a few years old / has less than 1,000 charge cycles, you may be able to repair it rather than replace it. When your forklift battery doesn’t have the charge it used to, it’s a sign that it may need to be replaced soon. When to repair or replace your forklift battery? Do not equalize more than the recommended frequency per operating procedures. In the case of wet cell batteries, they should be compensated about once a week. Not all forklift batteries require equalization, so check your battery’s specifications before adding them to your forklift battery maintenance routine. Equalizing a battery also reverses acid stratification, which occurs when the acid concentration at the bottom of the battery is higher than at the top. Sulfation, as mentioned in the charging section of this article, can shorten battery life. In essence, matching a battery means that you are overcharging it to remove sulfate crystals that have built up on the plates. How often should you equalize a forklift battery? Some batteries require equalization and if so, they will often have an equalization setting on their charger.
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You will also want to use distilled water because tap water has additives and contaminants that can form a residue on the battery.Īfter each month, you can also check the battery’s gravity reading using a hydrometer after a full charge.Ĭonsult your owner’s manual to determine the correct gravity number for your forklift. If you do this before it reaches a full load, there is a greater chance of overwatering. Battery water level indicatorĪnother fluid maintenance tip you can follow is to increase the water level when the battery is fully charged. The additional space above the fluid allows for expansion when the battery is in use. If not, fill the water levels below the protector. Is there enough liquid to cover the plastic element? Open the battery and observe two or three cells for proper water levels. If a battery begins to lose more water than normal, it may be a sign that the unit is working harder than necessary.Ĭheck the battery fluid levels after multiple charges. If water levels drop, the battery plates are exposed to air, leading to oxidation and a reduction in battery capacity.Įvaporation reduces water levels and affects the charging process.
The electrolyte in a battery is a combination of water and sulfuric acid. The lifespan of a forklift battery is based on optimal water levels to work at its maximum capacity. Never let a discharged battery sit for a long time because sulfation will begin to form, which will affect the operating time of the cell. Consult your manual to see the discharge level of your battery. because it can result in permanent damage. You also don’t want to discharge a battery more than the assigned threshold. Other charging tips include keeping the battery door and forklift compartment open while charging and using the correct current and voltage output. If you overcharge or fail to charge a forklift battery or interrupt the process, it can exhaust its life cycle. For example, when the battery charge drops below 20%, you can start charging, making sure it reaches its full capacity. Instead, you need to charge it at certain times to a specific grade.
You cannot charge them when convenient because it can affect the longevity of the battery. There is a correct way to charge when it comes to forklift batteries.
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Knowing how to care for your forklift battery includes fundamental steps.
When it comes to maintaining your forklift battery, maintenance ranges from charging and cleaning to recharging fluids and equalizing. What steps are performed during battery maintenance? 2 How often should you equalize a forklift battery?.