Data has shown that the average forklift only has a lifespan of 8 years. This is if it has gone through repairs and maintenance as necessary to keep it in top-notch condition.
Forklift battery maintenance is very important in keeping this piece of equipment functional. There are certain steps that you should take to make sure your forklift batteries stay in good condition.
Making sure your forklift parts are working can also prevent injuries. A forklift that is not in good condition can become quite dangerous to operate.
Keep reading to find out more about forklift battery maintenance and forklift repair.
Inspect the Batteries
The most important part of forklift battery maintenance is inspecting it often. Doing a visual inspection will help you to catch any issues before they become serious.
You should look over the battery case, connectors, vent caps, cables and tips, and intercell connectors. Everything should be in good condition and should not show any unusual signs of wear and tear.
You should also charge your forklift battery as often as necessary. You should charge according to the type of battery you have and how frequently you need to charge it.
Equalize the Battery
Most experts recommend equalizing your industrial forklift batteries once a week. However, this will depend on the battery manufacturer and how much the forklift is used.
Most battery chargers will have an equalizing option. This is in the form of a button that you can push when the battery is plugged in and charging.
It is a good idea to reference the owner’s manual for additional information. Some batteries may need to be equalized more or in a certain way.
Fluid Level Inspection
The battery is one of the parts of a forklift that really needs a lot of attention. You should check the fluid levels as part of your maintenance routine.
You will need to know what kind of batteries your forklift has. Some batteries can create more acidity, which can cause problems over time.
In some instances, it may be best to get the forklift serviced if you think something may be wrong.
Adding Water
It is estimated that you should add water to your forklift battery every 5 to 10 charging cycles. This should be done after you have charged or equalized the battery.
If you are not watering your batteries, this can cause permanent damage to the forklift. It is also important that overwatering the batteries can cause an electrolyte to boil over.
Because of this, you should have a routine in place so that you do not overwater or underwater your batteries.
Forklift Battery Maintenance
If you drive a forklift, forklift repair and maintenance are probably on your mind. Forklift battery maintenance is very important in keeping this piece of equipment in good condition.
Do you need your forklift serviced or extra parts for forklift repairs? Contact us today at Superior Industrial Products for forklift service options.