How Long Does a Forklift Battery Really Last?
To make certain that valuable units of electric forklift batteries will last, you should perform proper maintenance and care. These industrial grade batteries are very big, heavy and expensive. If the battery is more efficient, the more effective your equipment operators can be. Extending the battery life span is a main concern, not only because of the replacement cost, but also because of the expense of down time associated with battery problems.
Charging Cycles
Forklift batteries should be recharged just when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge differs depending upon different factors like the number of shifts being worked, how many hours the forklift is being used, and the average load weight. For busy operations, nightly charging may be required. Nonetheless, remember that charging a battery too often will wear the battery a lot faster.
Life Span
Commonly, a new forklift battery will last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Thus, if the forklift battery is being charged on a daily basis, the battery would last about five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimate. The battery life span could be extended a lot beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A forklift battery must never be allowed to become completely discharged. Not only can damage to the battery result from what is called "deep discharge", the electrical components and motor of the forklift can also sustain damage. This is because the battery which is damaged could alter the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the 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 forklift battery fully, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be required to return the battery charger to proper working condition.