How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
Electric forklifts batteries are expensive units that need correct maintenance and care to be able to guarantee a long life. These industrial grade batteries are big, heavy and costly. If the battery is more efficient, the more effective your machine operators could be. Extending the life span of the battery is a main concern, not only because of the replacement cost, but also because of the cost of down time connected with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
Forklift batteries should be recharged only when they are at least 80 percent discharged. The rate of discharge varies depending on various things like the average weight of loads, the number of shifts being worked and the number of hours the forklift is being operated. For busy operations, charging every night might be required. Nonetheless, remember that charging a battery very often will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Usually, a new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Therefore, if the forklift battery is being charged daily, the battery would last roughly five years. However, this is an average estimate. The life span 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 electrical components and motor of the forklift could sustain damage too. This is because the damaged battery could change the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the charger to properly communicate with the forklift battery can be compromised also. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised charger could not fully charge the battery, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be required to return the charger to proper working condition.