FACTORS AFFECTING BATTERY EFFICIENCY

HIGH TEMPERATURE

Batteries degrade in higher temperatures, leading to a decrease in efficiency called ‘calendar ageing’. The reactive elements inside a battery occur at a faster rate, leading to wear-and-tear on the protective structure and an earlier battery death. 

Working in high temperatures is nothing new in Australia, which is why it is important to store your electric forklifts in cool and sheltered locations. If you can, refrain from using electric forklifts on especially hot days to protect the battery’s life cycle. 

OVER AND UNDER CHARGING

Overcharging and undercharging your electric forklift can negatively affect the forklift battery and its efficiency. 

If a worker leaves the forklift in a charging state significantly longer than the recommended amount, this is called overcharging, and corrosion in the battery plates can occur. 

On the other hand, not letting the electric forklift charge for long enough leads to undercharging, which puts a strain on the battery’s cells and also leads to damage. 

Always follow the manufacturer’s guide on the forklift battery, but in general, do not let the charge of the electric forklift battery drop below 20%. How long does it take to charge a forklift battery? Leave it charging for eight hours to reach 100% before then halting the process. It will then need a further eight hours to cool down before it can be used. 

REGULAR BATTERY EQUALISING

Battery replacing is a process that is used to improve electric forklift battery efficiency. It is simple and effective to perform; all you need to do is to purposefully charge the battery at a higher voltage than normal during one full recharging cycle (eight hours). 

This helps remove any build-up of sulphate residue in the battery and balances the voltage between cells. 

How often should you replace a forklift battery? Again, you should follow the instructions suggested by the battery manufacturer but most businesses replace their batteries about once per week, usually over the weekend. 

INCORRECT BATTERY WATERING

A lead-acid battery uses water as a vital part of its functions. If the forklift battery watering system is performed incorrectly, this can lead to irreparable damage. 

Here is how to add water to your forklift lead-acid battery: 

Make sure the forklift is switched off. Add water (distilled water only) using a funnel. Fill up to the mark point or 1cm below the fill well (do not overfill). 

Ensure that you add the distilled water after the forklift has been fully charged. You need to add the water when the levels are running low, usually around every 5-10 charges.