How Long Does a Forklift Battery Really Last?
To be able to make sure that valuable units of electric forklift batteries will last, you should perform correct care and maintenance. These industrial grade batteries are really large, heavy and costly. If the battery is more efficient, the more effective your equipment operators could be. Extending the life span of the battery is a top priority, not just because of the replacement cost, but also because of the cost of down time connected with battery problems.
Charging Cycles
Forklift batteries must be recharged only when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge varies depending upon different factors like how many hours the forklift is being used, the average load weight and the number of shifts being worked. For busy operations, nightly charging might be required. However, don't forget that charging a battery too frequently would wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Brand new forklift batteries are usually built to last 1,500 charge cycles at least. Therefore, if the forklift battery is being charged every day, the battery would last approximately five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimation. The life span of the battery can be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A forklift battery should never be allowed to become totally discharged. 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 could sustain damage as well. This is because the damaged battery can change the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to communicate properly with the forklift battery could be compromised too. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger could not fully charge the forklift battery, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be required to return the charger to proper working order.