Forklift Battery Charging Recommendations:
Under normal circumstances, we recommend to charge a battery when it reaches 80% depth of discharge ( “red zone” on most discharge meters), not before.
Most newer batteries are designed to provide 1,500 charge “cycles” or more. If your application is medium duty, or sporadic, charge only when necessary rather than daily. It will increase the cycle life of the battery over a much longer period of time to ensure you get the maximum number of productive years from your battery.
Select “equalize” or “weekly” charge (depending on your brand of charger) approx. every 5 to 10 cycles to keep the battery performing at peak efficiency. Failure to do so or selecting this option too often will harm the battery and shorten its effective life.
Forklift Battery Watering Recommendations :
New batteries require water approx. every 7-10 charges for the first few years. Reconditioned batteries may require water as soon as every 5 charges.
On new and reconditioned batteries, you should check 2 or 3 pilot cells every 5-7 charges to see that the water level is just above the red plastic Element Protector after charge (color variesbaed on what brand of forklift battery you have).
If low, add only enough water to cover the Element Protector by about ¼”. The additional space is necessary for expansion at the end of charge.
Forklift Battery Cleaning Recommendations:
If a battery ever overflows, rinse it with water immediately afterwards to prevent corrosion on top and beneath the battery. Use enough water to dilute the spilled acid so it is not harmful to the environment.
The spilled acid is both highly corrosive. If not rinsed, the conductivity can cause the battery to discharge, even while it is not in use, and it will generate additional heat during recharge.
Over time, the acid left on top of the battery will form clods of conductive white corrosion. If it is allowed to grow, it can shorten the life of the forklift battery and make checking and adding water an terrible experience which people tend to avoid, as well as obvious safety concerns.
Acid vapors escape during charge, residue will develop around the vent cap even under normal circumstances. Batteries should be rinsed as needed, to remove the acid residue from the battery.
Some things to avoid with a forklift battery :
Never over fill a forklift battery. It will cause overflow. Acid loss shortens run time, and requires service to correct.
Never make a habit of giving short charges. Each short charge is a “cycle” and will significantly affect the life of the battery. It also causes excess heat that will make the battery less efficient. It’s better to let a battery rest and cool during short periods of unuse.
Never interrupt a charge cycle.Once a charge cycle is initiated, it should be allowed complete.
Never allow a battery to sit uncharged for more than a few days to avoid “sulfation”. If it becomes necessary to store a battery for any period of time, charge it before and once every 2-3 months to avoid damage.
Never allow a battery to go completely dead. It will take over 3-days of continuous charging to bring back to full charge.
Never allow sparks or flame near a charging battery. Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas while charging, which could cause an explosion resulting in injury or death.
This is not a complete list and always consult a local professional.