Forklift Battery Charging and Safe Installation
Batteries used in forklifts are costly pieces of machinery that are quite big weighing in the thousands of pounds. The job of charging and installation of these batteries is something that must be really planned out ahead of time in order to make certain that these methods can be done correctly and safely. Maintaining a sound charging procedure and correct handling could majorly increase the usual lifespan of a battery.
Standard Charging
It is vital not to connect the battery to the charger until it is at 20% capacity or lower. By charging the battery when it is more than 20%, the lifespan of the battery can actually be shortened. On around each 5th charge cycle, the charger must 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 a few hours once the charge cycle is complete. By practicing these methods, you can 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 mistake which could accidentally cause damage to both the forklift and the charger. It is also really vital that the battery amperage must match that of the charger.
The battery must never be allowed to to deep discharge or to completely discharge. This would 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 should be called to be able to re-set the charger prior to charge being able to begin.