How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
Batteries of electric forklifts are expensive units that need correct maintenance and care to ensure a long life. These industrial grade batteries are very large, heavy and costly. If the battery is more efficient, the more productive your machine operators can be. Extending the life span of the battery is really a main concern, not just because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the expense of down time associated with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
Remember that you can only recharge batteries of forklifts when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge differs depending on different factors like the number of shifts being worked, how many hours the forklift is being used, and the average weight of loads. For busy operations, charging every night might be required. However, remember that charging a battery very frequently would wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Usually, a brand new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Thus, if the battery is being charged daily, the battery would last roughly five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimate. The battery life span can be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with proper maintenance.
Deep Discharge
Make certain that the forklift battery is never discharged fully. Not only could damage to the battery result from what is called "deep discharge", the electrical components and motor of the forklift can also sustain damage. 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 battery can also be compromised. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised charger will be unable to charge the battery completely, leading to a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician may be required to return the battery charger to good working condition.