Forklift Battery Safe Installation and Charging
Forklift batteries are fairly big and are very expensive pieces of equipment. They weigh thousands of pounds. The task of installing and charging these batteries is something that must be planned out in advanced in order to make certain that these methods are able to be done safely and correctly. Maintaining correct handling and a sound charging procedure could majorly increase the battery's regular life span.
Standard Charging
It is vital not to connect the battery to the charger until it is at 20% capacity or less. By charging the battery when it is higher than 20%, the lifespan of the battery can actually be shortened. On approximately each 5th charge cycle, the charger should be set on the equalize or weekend setting, depending on what kind of charger you are utilizing.
The charging cycle must never be interrupted. When the charge cycle is complete, you should avoid using the battery for some hours. By practicing these procedures, you will be able to help ensure that you get the maximum battery performance available.
Charger Maintenance
Be sure to have the charger turned off while in the process of hooking up the battery to the charger. Connect the charger to the battery and not the lift truck. This is a common mistake that could inadvertently cause damage to both the forklift and the charger. Moreover, it is really important that the amperage of the battery must match that of the charger.
The battery should never be allowed to to deep discharge or to completely discharge. This would ultimately shorten the lift of the battery and might even prevent the charger from being able to start. If the battery charger reads that there is no activity in the battery, it will not start the charge cycle. If this situation happens, a technician must be called to be able to re-set the charger prior to charge being able to begin.