How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
To be able to make certain that valuable units of electric forklift batteries would last, you must perform proper maintenance and care. These industrial grade batteries are really costly, big and heavy. If the battery is more efficient, the more productive your machine operators could be. Extending the battery life span is truly a main concern, not only because of the replacement cost, but also because of the cost of down time associated with battery problems.
Charging Cycles
batteries of forklifts must be recharged just when they are at least 80 percent discharged. The rate of discharge varies depending on different things like the number of shifts being worked, how many hours the forklift is being utilized, and the average load weight. For busy operations, charging nightly might be required. However, bear in mind that charging a battery very often will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Usually, a new forklift battery will last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Thus, if the battery is being charged on a daily basis, the battery will last about five years. Nonetheless, this is an average estimation. The life of the battery could be extended significantly 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 can damage to the battery be caused by what is known as a "deep discharge", the forklift's electrical components and motor can sustain damage too. This is because the damaged battery can alter the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to communicate properly with the battery can also be compromised. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger will be unable to charge the battery completely, causing a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician may be required to return the battery charger to proper working order.