Forklift Battery Safe Installation and Charging
Forklift batteries are fairly large and are extremely expensive pieces of equipment. They weigh thousands of pounds. The job of installing and charging these batteries is something that should be really planned out in advanced so as to make certain that these methods can be done safely and correctly. Maintaining proper handling and a sound charging method can really increase the standard lifespan of a battery.
Standard Charging
It is essential 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 percent, the lifespan of the battery could really be shortened. On approximately every 5th charge cycle, the charger must be set on the weekend or equalize setting, depending on which kind of charger you are using.
The charging cycle should never be interrupted. As soon as the charge cycle is complete, you should avoid using the battery for some hours. By practicing these methods, you can help make sure that you get the maximum battery performance available.
Charger Maintenance
Make sure the charger is turned off before hooking up the battery to the charger. You then can connect the charger to the battery. This is a common mistake that can inadvertently cause damage to both the charger and the forklift. It is also really vital that the battery amperage should match that of the charger.
Do not ever allow the battery to completely discharge or to deep discharge. This will shorten the battery life greatly and can even prevent the charger from being able to activate. If the battery charger reads that there is no activity in the battery, it would not start the charge cycle. If this situation happens, a technician should be called to be able to re-set the charger prior to charge being able to begin.