Forklift Battery Safe Installation and Charging
Lift truck batteries are quite big 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 planned out ahead of time so as to make certain that these methods can be completed safely and correctly. Maintaining correct handling and a sound charging procedure could majorly increase the regular lifespan of a battery.
Standard Charging
It is recommended that the battery is not connected to the charger until it is at or less than 20 percent capacity. By charging the battery when it is more than 20 percent, the lifespan of the battery could actually be shortened. On approximately each 5th charge cycle, the charger has to be set on the equalize or weekend setting, depending on which kind of charger you are utilizing.
The cycle of charging must not get interrupted. You should avoid utilizing the battery for some hours once the charge cycle is complete. By practicing these procedures, you can 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 forklift. This is a common error which can inadvertently cause damage to both the forklift and the charger. Moreover, it is really essential that the battery amperage should match that of the charger.
The battery must never be allowed to to deep discharge or to completely discharge. This will ultimately shorten the lift of the battery and can even prevent the charger from being able to activate. If the battery charger reads that there is no battery activity, it would not start the charge cycle. If this situation happens, a technician will need to be called in order to re-set the charger prior to charge being able to begin.