Getting to know forklift batteries

your-forklift-batteryThe battery in your car or truck, and the battery in your forklift are both necessary to make the vehicle go. That’s where the similarities end. The battery in your forklift serves several purposes in addition to powering the unit.

We use industrial lead acid batteries in most of our forklifts, and they are much bigger and heavier than most batteries.  In fact, some are so heavy the lift uses the batteries’ weight to help counter-balance the load lifted by the forklift.  Some industrial lifts may use multiple batteries.

An industrial battery should give you a little over six hours of use, or a fairly typical eight-hour shift- some of the larger batteries are sized to provide 8-10 hours a charge, but the life span of those batteries may be shorter.

Just like in your car battery, extreme temperatures can affect the performance and lifespan of your forklift battery.  Keep it sheltered, if you can, from extreme heat and cold.  Also, avoid over-charging or over-discharging as this can affect the batteries’ performance as well.

Some forklift operators augment the performance of their batteries by quick-charging during lunchtime and other breaks.

Unlike your car, you are likely not equipped to change your forklift battery yourself.  As we established, they can weigh as much as 500-5,000 pounds.  Battery changing gear includes overhead equipment that you probably just don’t have. That’s where we can help. Call us before your battery fails and we’ll guide you through the process of evaluating where your current battery is, identifying the replacement battery you want or need (your workload and equipment dictate what type of battery is appropriate for you), and getting the new battery (or batteries) installed.

The battery in your forklift is too important to take for granted. Treat it well and it will last.