How to charge a forklift battery?

A Forklift Battery is a heavy duty industrial battery, normally created high amp hour 2-volt lead acid cells. The forklift batteries are assembled in such a way that these will be capable of operating 12-volts, 24-volts, 36-volts, 48-volts and 72-volts forklifts.

Because of the making of forklift batteries, they've detailed traits differing from average lead acid batteries. The lifespan of lead acid batteries is straight involving the thickness of the positive plates, the thicker the easier for deep cycling existence. In another case, the forklift batteries most commonly are .250 inch, and use lead-antimony for plate material. This material hikes up the plate life but raises gassing and water loss, so right maintenance is compulsory for just right battery lifestyles. 

In this article, we discuss best practices around maintaining and charging of the forklift batteries:

Make sure that the charger is accurately matched to the battery: The charger you are going to use for the charging process must have a right output voltage. One thing more, the output Ampere Hour rating shown on the charger must be closed associated with the AH rating of the battery.

Don’t use a charger having the damaged cables: All the visible connectors must be in a good condition in regard to shape. All the burned or damaged connectors must be replaced or repaired. Some good tips to remember:

·         If the lift truck gets higher than 40% of the battery's cost at the finish of the workday, the battery must be placed on cost for the entire 8 hours.

·         Every battery should be watered after it is wholly charged. The water will have to be distilled and the phases in each cell will have to be raised to just above the perforated grid. Don't water an uncharged battery - it will probably overflow.

Don’t charge a forklift battery higher than 300 times in a year: To get the effective output of a forklift battery, try to charge it up to 300 times in a year or 1500 times approximately in 5 years. Otherwise, over charging will lead in declining the lifespan of a battery.

Always allow your battery to get a charge of 8 hours through the gassing stage: If your forklift truckbattery gets the full 8 hours charging, it will aid to recombine the electrolyte in every part of a battery which results in an optimal running of a battery.

Always charge your battery in an open flame because its gassing phase produces hydrogen and oxygen. It is recommended to charge your forklift truck battery in a well-ventilated area.

Understanding more about Forklift Batteries

The forklift batteries are made up of many individual cells, used as a source of power when linked together. In older days, the batteries are formed by welding the links between cells but now a day the batteries are linked together by using the bolted connections. This bolted connection forklift battery innovation is safer and more immune to corrosion if compared to welded links. Every cell may also be identified by means of having a vent cap.

The thorough maintenance of the forklift batteries is very significant to their durability. By using the appropriate battery maintenance ways will maintain your forklift investment. These are of heavy in nature, in a case, not handled correctly will become dangerous when in use.

Below there is some discussion which helps to educate you some correct ways to handle the forklift batteries: 

1.       At the time of charging any forklift battery, it is recommended to remove all the metallic objects available near to it. 

2.       While moving these heavy batteries, it is suggested to put on steel toe shoes or some special equipment such as a walkie pallet jack.

3.       The hand and eye washing station should be positively located nearby the forklift trucks, used to remove hazardous liquid come in contact with eyes or hands.

4.       Don’t forget to put on a chemical-resistant protective gear to hold the need for the station at bay.

Why is an appropriate battery charging required?

Properly charging a battery is all about doing it at the right time, for the correct period of time. Use these suggestions when charging your forklift battery: 

1.       Designate a field peculiarly for battery charging.

2.       In a case, a forklift battery has been overflowed then must be rinsed to prevent corrosion.

3.       Charging your forklift battery in extreme hot and cold environment can cause a reduction in batteries lifespan. So charge your forklift battery in proper temperature.

4.       Don’t repeat a common mistake by adding some water to a wet-cell battery just before its charging process. Always add a diluted water after you know about a charge cycle reaches to its proper level.

5.    Keep you cautious when the battery is at charging point if your battery does not include a battery management system to prevent overcharging.

6.       Make sure that the battery charger is powered off before connecting a battery.

This imperative part of a forklift truck should be resulted in the risk-free operations if done as per the above-written precautions.