How To Extend Forklift Battery Life
- Author Jeremy Smith
- Published March 23, 2011
- Word count 499
Short-lived batteries are a major drain on any fleet of electric vehicles. Although unit life can be shortened by other factors, one of the best ways to extend time of service is to understand the right and wrong ways to handle power cells. An established program of forklift battery maintenance will extend unit life and save the company money.
Keep Terminals Clean
Acid in batteries leaks out and corrodes the terminals, leaving a white residue. This corrosion is not just unappealing. It also causes batteries to discharge prematurely. The residue is conductive so the unit will slowly lose charge even if the forklift is turned off.
Basic forklift battery maintenance requires cleaning these terminals with baking soda or some other base to remove the acid and keep the terminals clean. This should be done as needed, but at least twice a year even if no visible corrosion exists. Washing by hand can be tedious and dangerous, so many organizations use automated battery washers which take care of the entire process in a hands-off manner. These washers treat and recycle the water used, ensuring no dangerous chemicals or heavy metals make it into the wastewater system.
Don't Charge Too Often
Forklift drivers will sometimes "top off" batteries during a break or lunch hour, believing they will get more use out of the unit. While they might get a longer charge that day, this tactic greatly shortens the long-term use of the unit.
A similar problem occurs when forklifts are used only occasionally. Companies routinely might recharge the units every day, but if the vehicle hasn't seen much use the power cell won't be discharged, and again this unnecessary charging shortens the lifetime of forklift batteries.
Batteries used in forklifts are designed to discharge by 80% and then be recharged. Recharging earlier reduces the cell's ability to hold a charge. The best forklift battery maintenance is to replace the power cell when it reaches that discharge point, and recharge the unit outside the vehicle.
Don't Overdrain
Power cells also degrade in the opposite scenario - when vehicles are allowed to run batteries well below the 80% discharge level. This is called a "deep discharge" and not only shortens the unit life, but can actually damage the forklift.
When power cells run beyond 80% discharge, it will damage the battery and force replacement much sooner. However it also causes the electrical systems in the forklift to run hot, potentially causing burned contacts or even complete motor failure. The repair bills will greatly exceed the cost of a new power cell.
Of course it is not always convenient for a truck to be taken out of service when discharge passes 80%, which is why modern forklift battery maintenance is more likely to remove the old cell and put in a freshly charged one rather than recharge the unit inside the truck.
Whether you have one forklift or a fleet of hundreds, forklift battery maintenance extends the useful life of power cells and keeps workers productive and safe.
If you are interested in battery management system, be sure to visit http://www.multi-shifter.com/.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- How EasyPDF™ Forms Save Time & Money at Home and in the Workplace
- Regardless of What You Believe or Have Been Told, Desktop/Laptop Computers Are Not Going the Way of the Dinosaur
- The One and Only 15-Second Digital Lien Waiver to Complete and Submit in Record Time Using the Free Adobe Reader
- Augmented Reality (AR) in Business: Why Your Company Needs It
- What is a Chauffeur Service? Unwind and Arrive in Style (www.chauffeur.my)
- Tuozhen: Your Go-To Custom Hoodie Manufacturer
- What can tourists do in the Caribbean?
- The Unseen Impacts of Financial Noncompliance on Business Growth
- Top 10 Reasons to Use Business Central’s License Plating App
- Exploring BCShows: A Comprehensive B2B Industry Platform
- A Luxury African Safari Or A Caribbean Beach Holiday
- What might be able to be done for osteoarthritis in the future?
- App Development: Transforming Ideas into Reality
- Why is the study of history is critical?
- Navigating Europe with Confidence: Logistics Solutions from Barcelona and Cluj-Napoca
- Taking a Well-Deserved Break: An Introduction to London Respite Care
- Discover the Convenience of Chauffeur Services in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Fall Holiday Fashion Trends: The Kaftan and Kimono Dress Revival
- Vintage Bohemian Charm: Creating a Home Office Retreat
- Embrace the Maximalist Decor : Unleash Your Boldest Dreams
- The Impact of 3D Animation in Business: Enhancing Visual Communication and Marketing Strategies
- Check Out These 6 Tips For A Great Day Hike!
- Steady Slope Marketing: Launching Your Small Business with Google My Business and Digital Marketing
- Steady Slope Marketing: Boost Your Business with Targeted Facebook Ads
- Steady Slope Marketing: Building Strong Brands for Lasting Success
- Steady Slope Marketing: Maximizing Growth with Google Ads
- Steady Slope Marketing: Building Custom Websites that Drive Growth
- Steady Slope Marketing: Unlocking Growth with Google Local Service Ads
- Steady Slope Marketing: Scaling Your Business for Long-Term Growth
- Steady Slope Marketing: Setting Up Small Businesses for Success in the Digital Age