How Long Does a Forklift Battery Actually Last?
To be able to make certain that expensive units of electric forklift batteries will last, you must carry out proper care and maintenance. These industrial grade batteries are really costly, big and heavy. The more efficient the battery, the more effective your machine operators can be. Extending the life span of the battery is a main concern, not only because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the expense of down time connected with battery problems.
Charging Cycles
Keep in mind that you could just recharge batteries of forklifts when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge differs depending on different factors such as the average load weight, the number of shifts being worked and how many hours the forklift is being utilized. For busy operations, charging nightly might be required. Nonetheless, keep in mind that charging a battery too often would wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Commonly, a brand new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Hence, if the battery is being charged daily, the battery would last about five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimation. The life span of the battery could be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A forklift battery must never be allowed to become totally discharged. Not only can damage to the battery be caused by what is known as a "deep discharge", the electrical components and motor of the forklift can also sustain damage. This is because the battery which is damaged can change the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the charger to properly communicate with the battery can also be compromised. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised charger would be unable to fully charge the battery, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be needed to return the charger to proper working condition.