How Long Does a Forklift Battery Really Last?
To be able to make certain that valuable units of electric forklift batteries will have long life, you should perform correct maintenance and care. These industrial grade batteries are really expensive, large and heavy. If the battery is more efficient, the more productive your machine operators can be. Extending the life span of the battery is a top priority, not just because of the replacement cost, but also because of the expense of down time connected with battery problems.
Charging Cycles
Forklift batteries must be recharged only when they are at least 80% discharged. The discharge rate differs depending on various things such as the average load weight, the number of shifts being worked and the number of hours the forklift is being operated. For busy operations, charging nightly may be needed. However, don't forget that charging a battery very often will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Typically, a brand new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Therefore, if the battery is being charged every day, the battery would last around five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimation. The life of the battery could be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with proper maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A forklift battery should never be allowed to become fully discharged. Not only could damage to the battery result from what is referred to as a "deep discharge", the electrical parts and motor of the forklift can sustain damage as well. This is because the damaged battery could alter the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to properly communicate with the battery could be compromised also. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger will be unable to completely charge the forklift battery, leading to a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be needed to return the charger to good working order.