On average, forklift batteries can last for five years of operation. Proper maintenance and upkeep can extend the battery life to ten years. Please follow these simple precautions when charging, operating, and handling forklift batteries to extend their lifespan.
Forklift battery charging precautions
-When the battery level reaches 20-30%, charge it
-When your forklift battery reaches the red area (only 20% remaining), please stop using the battery immediately. Continuing to use batteries exceeding 20% will have a negative impact on their lifespan. In addition, deep discharge may cause electrical components to overheat and damage forklifts.
Always keep the battery fully charged
The charging frequency of the battery is limited, about 1200 times, and it does not distinguish between semi charged or fully charged. Partial charging of the battery will still consume the power of its battery pack.
Avoid extreme temperatures
Once the ambient temperature reaches 85 degrees, the battery life may be reduced by up to 60%. On the other hand, when the temperature reaches 50 degrees, the battery performance will decrease by 30%. If your forklift operates in extreme temperatures, please use the cooling system included with the Firsola forklift battery.
Do not replace the battery when the battery is low
As mentioned above, the ideal time for charging forklift batteries is 20-30%. Charging the battery only leaves 50-60% of its capacity, and it can continue to be used up to around 20% for the entire charging cycle.
Do not – charge the battery during lunch break
Opportunity charging or fast charging can shorten the battery’s lifespan. You can think of it this way: After the battery is produced, it will be charged about 1500 times. The more frequent the charging, the faster it runs out.
-Recharge once a day, and the battery can last for five years.
-Charging twice a day can shorten the lifespan by half.
-To fully utilize the forklift battery: always fully charge the forklift battery and do not interrupt the charging cycle.
Precautions for forklift battery maintenance
Maintaining forklift batteries is easy: check the water once a week and clean the link once a month. What is the most difficult part?
Ensuring proper maintenance is crucial for safety and extending the battery’s lifespan. Here are some simple precautions:
Wear protective equipment – follow Firsola’s advice
Batteries contain sulfuric acid, a chemical substance that can cause serious burns. When handling and charging industrial batteries, please follow Firsola’s advice on protective equipment and remove all metal jewelry.
Check the water level of the battery
Add deionized water or distilled water every five to ten charges (recommended by Firosla battery manufacturer). Add water after charging – do not add water before charging. If you find white crystals on the lead plate, please immediately call the Firsola battery engineer. Understand in detail why forklift batteries require water.
Clean the battery every month/Every month
Use battery cleaner or warm water to clean the top of each battery. This is another example of simple but often overlooked maintenance. The accumulation of chemicals can cause tray corrosion and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Do not attempt to pick up the forklift battery on your own
The weight of forklift batteries can reach 3000 pounds! No one or team should attempt to lift the forklift battery. Use equipment such as pallet trucks equipped with transfer vehicles.
Do not use smoking batteries
If the battery starts to smoke, please turn off the power immediately. Do not use the battery again. In our previous article, we learned how to identify other signs that forklift batteries should be replaced: answers to common questions about forklift batteries.
Although electric forklifts initially cost more than gas/internal combustion engine forklifts, in the long run, their cost of ownership is lower. Ensure that your operations receive maximum value from electric forklifts through appropriate battery maintenance and charging. For questions about electric forklifts, pallet trucks, or batteries, please contact us.