How Long Does a Forklift Battery Truly Last?
Batteries of electric forklifts are expensive units which require proper maintenance and care to ensure a long life. These industrial grade batteries are heavy, expensive and large. If the battery is more efficient, the more productive your machine operators can be. Extending the life span of the battery is truly 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
Forklift batteries must be recharged just when they are at least 80 percent discharged. The discharge rate differs depending on various factors like for example the number of shifts being worked, the number of hours the forklift is being utilized, and the average weight of loads. For busy operations, charging nightly might be required. Nevertheless, remember that charging a battery too frequently will wear the battery a lot faster.
Life Span
Typically, a new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Thus, if the battery is being charged daily, the battery will last about five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimation. The battery life span can be extended a lot beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with proper maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A battery of the forklift must never be allowed to become fully discharged. Not only could damage to the battery result from what is called "deep discharge", the forklift's electrical components and motor could sustain damage too. This is because the battery that is damaged can change the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to properly communicate with the battery can also be compromised. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger can not charge the forklift battery fully, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician may be needed to return the battery charger to good working condition.