How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
To be able to make certain that valuable units of electric forklift batteries will last, you should perform proper maintenance and care. These industrial grade batteries are very large, heavy and costly. The more efficient the battery, the more effective your equipment operators can be. Extending the life span of the battery is really a main concern, not only because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the expense of down time connected with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
Forklift batteries should be recharged only when they are at least 80% discharged. The discharge rate differs depending upon various things like for instance the average load weight, the number of shifts being worked and the number of hours the forklift is being used. For busy operations, nightly charging may be required. However, don't forget that charging a battery too frequently will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Brand new forklift batteries are usually made to last 1,500 charge cycles at minimum. Therefore, if the battery is being charged every day, 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 correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A forklift battery must never be allowed to become totally discharged. Not only could damage to the battery be caused by what is referred to as a "deep discharge", the forklift's electrical components and motor could also sustain damage. This is because the battery that is damaged can 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 will be unable to completely charge the battery, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician may be needed to return the charger to proper working condition.