How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
Electric forklifts batteries are expensive units which require proper maintenance and care to ensure a long life. These industrial grade batteries are big, 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 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
Bear in mind that you could only recharge batteries of forklifts when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge varies depending upon different things like for instance how many hours the forklift is being utilized, the average weight of loads and the number of shifts being worked. For busy operations, nightly charging may be needed. However, keep in mind that charging a battery very often would wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
New forklift batteries are normally made to last 1,500 charge cycles at least. Thus, if the battery is being charged daily, the battery will last around five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimation. The battery life span could be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A battery of the forklift should never be allowed to become completely discharged. Not only can 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 could change the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the charger to properly communicate with the battery can be compromised also. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised charger can not charge the forklift battery fully, causing a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician may be required to return the battery charger to proper working condition.