Forklift Chargers

While a forklift is a major investment in and of itself, regular fuel costs will take up an even bigger piece of the pie. It only makes sense that many businesses are switching to electric forklifts to improve fuel economy and benefit the environment at the same time.

Electric forklifts are an ideal choice for light-duty tasks since they run quietly without emissions. However, that doesn't mean that electric forklift maintenance is entirely hands-off. Electric forklift batteries need frequent attention. They must be topped off with water and charged regularly to maintain power.

How long will a forklift battery last?

An electric forklift battery is estimated to last approximately 6,000 working hours. Compared to a gas-powered lift truck that requires constant refueling, a single battery will provide five years of use or longer, depending on how it is maintained. The best battery care will meet strict manufacturer maintenance guidelines.

As new lift truck technologies are introduced to the market, electric forklift batteries can run for longer with shorter charge times. These technological advancements benefit the average business by improving operating efficiency and cutting overhead costs.

Running a battery into the ground can compromise battery life; sticking to a battery charging schedule can help to reduce downtime on-the-job. Even the highest-quality forklift battery may need to be recharged daily - but there is a catch.

Forklift batteries should run no lower than 20% capacity to protect a lift truck's electrical components. If a forklift battery runs down completely, it will disrupt daily work processes since it will require a complete 8 hour cycle to recharge. However, if a battery hasn't reached 20% by the end of a workday, it should not be connected to a forklift charger overnight since this can damage a battery's ability to hold a charge.

5 forklift charger rules to live by

It's always important to follow manufacturer's instructions for best charging practices. You can also use these helpful tips to extend the life of your lift truck battery with every use:

1. Only use a charger that is properly matched to a battery's voltage.
2. Never use forklift chargers with visible damage or damaged cables.
3. Check battery water levels with each charge; battery may be topped off with distilled water every 5-10 recharges.
4. Avoid fast charging unless absolutely necessary as it can reduce battery life.
5. Request maintenance at the first sign of sulphation (white crystals) on a battery to prevent premature battery failure.

Once a business becomes familiar with its daily processes, it can create a forklift charging schedule based on the 80% rule. If forklifts are likely to run down to 20% capacity at a certain time of day, charging time can be scheduled around regular work tasks. Scheduled charging will protect electric lift trucks from damage and preserve battery life.