Forklift Battery Safe Installation and Charging
Forklift batteries are quite large and are very pricey pieces of equipment. They weigh thousands of pounds. The job of charging and installing these batteries is something that must be really planned out ahead of time in order to make sure that these procedures could be done properly and safely. Maintaining a sound charging method and proper handling could majorly 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 lower. By charging the battery when it is higher than 20 percent, the lifespan of the battery could really be shortened. On around 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 charging cycle must never be interrupted. As soon as the charge cycle is done, you should avoid using the battery for a few hours. By practicing these methods, you could help make certain 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 forklift. This is a common error which could inadvertently cause damage to both the charger and the forklift. It is also really essential that the battery amperage must match that of the charger.
The battery must never be allowed to completely discharge or deep discharge. This would ultimately shorten the lift of the battery and could 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 occurs, a technician must be called in order to re-set the charger prior to charge being able to start.