How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
Batteries of electric forklifts are expensive units that need correct care and maintenance to ensure a long life. These industrial grade batteries are heavy, costly and large. The more efficient the battery, the more productive your machine operators could be. Extending the life span of the battery is truly a top priority, not only because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the expense of down time connected with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
Forklift batteries should be recharged only when they are at least 80% discharged. The discharge rate varies depending on various things like for example the number of hours the forklift is being utilized, the average weight of loads and the number of shifts being worked. For busy operations, charging every night might be needed. Nonetheless, keep in mind that charging a battery too frequently will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Commonly, a brand new forklift battery will last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Thus, if the battery is being charged daily, the battery would last about five years. Nonetheless, this is an average estimation. The life span of the battery can be extended a lot beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
Make certain that the battery of the forklift is never discharged fully. Not only could damage to the battery result from what is called "deep discharge", the electrical parts and motor of the forklift can also sustain damage. This is because the battery that is damaged can alter the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to properly communicate with the battery can be compromised too. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger would be unable to charge the forklift battery fully, leading to a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be needed to return the charger to good working condition.