Forklift Battery Safe Installation and Charging
Lift truck batteries are pretty large and are very expensive pieces of machines. They weigh thousands of pounds. The job of installing and charging these batteries is something that must be really planned out in advanced in order to make sure that these procedures can be done correctly and safely. Maintaining a sound charging method and correct handling can majorly increase the battery's usual life span.
Standard Charging
It is suggested that the battery is not connected to the charger until it is at or less than 20% capacity. By charging the battery when it is more than 20%, the battery's lifespan could actually be shortened. On around every 5th charge cycle, the charger needs to be set on the equalize or weekend setting, depending on which model of charger you are using.
The cycle of charging should not get interrupted. You should avoid using the battery for a few hours once the charge cycle is done. By practicing these procedures, you would 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 error which could accidentally cause damage to both the charger and the forklift. Also, it is very important that the battery amperage should match that of the charger.
The battery should never be allowed to to deep discharge or to completely discharge. This will ultimately shorten the lift of the battery and can even prevent the charger from being able to start. If the battery charger reads that there is no battery activity, it would 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 start.