Forklift Battery Charging and Safe Installation
Lift truck batteries are fairly large and are really expensive pieces of equipment. They weigh thousands of pounds. The job of charging and installing these batteries is something that should be planned out ahead of time in order to make certain that these methods are able to be completed safely and properly. Maintaining a sound charging method and proper handling can really increase the battery's standard life span.
Standard Charging
It is vital not to connect the battery to the charger until it is at 20% capacity or lower. By charging the battery when it is higher than 20%, the lifespan of the battery could actually be shortened. On about each 5th charge cycle, the charger has to be set on the equalize or weekend setting, depending on what model of charger you are using.
The cycle of charging must not get interrupted. You should avoid utilizing the battery for a few hours when the charge cycle is complete. By practicing these methods, you could help ensure that you get the maximum battery performance available.
Charger Maintenance
Be sure to have the charger turned off when 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 which can inadvertently cause damage to both the forklift and the charger. In addition, it is very essential that the amperage of the battery should match that of the charger.
Do not ever allow the battery to completely discharge or to deep discharge. This would shorten the battery life significantly and could 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 start.