How Long Does a Forklift Battery Really Last?
To make certain that expensive units of electric forklift batteries would last, you should perform proper care and maintenance. These industrial grade batteries are really large, heavy and expensive. If the battery is more efficient, the more effective your machine operators can be. Extending the life span of the battery is a top priority, not just because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the expense of down time connected with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
Remember that you could just recharge batteries of forklifts when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge varies depending upon different things like for example the number of shifts being worked, the number of hours the forklift is being used, and the average weight of loads. For busy operations, charging every night may be required. Nevertheless, keep in mind that charging a battery too frequently would wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Typically, a brand new forklift battery will last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Hence, if the battery is being charged daily, the battery will last roughly five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimate. The battery life span could be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
Make sure that the forklift battery is never discharged completely. Not only can damage to the battery be caused by what is known as a "deep discharge", the electrical parts and motor of the forklift can also sustain damage. This is because the battery which is damaged could alter the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to properly communicate with the battery could also be compromised. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger would be unable to fully charge the forklift battery, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be needed to return the charger to proper working condition.