Newbie's Guide: How to Scientifically Maintain Forklift Batteries in Summer?

With the improvement of environmental protection requirements in various fields of industry, the power source increasingly relies on green, environmentally friendly and pollution-free new energy batteries. Good battery maintenance can not only extend the service life of the battery, but also save costs and avoid the time wasted by frequent battery replacement. In the face of the test of high temperature climate, the maintenance of forklift batteries is particularly important, because they will also face the trouble of "water replenishment".

During the charging, discharging and storage process of forklift batteries, part of the water will evaporate due to the use environment and internal high temperature reaction, resulting in battery water shortage. If the battery is not watered in time, the service life of the forklift battery in a long-term water shortage state will be affected.

In the summer, forklift batteries must be inspected and maintained so that they can work more efficiently. Here are some tips for forklift battery maintenance.

I Add water

01 Batteries need to be regularly watered (distilled and deionized water), and the frequency of watering depends on the battery's purpose and operating temperature.

02 Please check the battery every 2 weeks to determine the frequency of watering the battery. Generally, the longer the battery is used, the more frequently it needs to be watered.

03 Please fully charge the battery before adding water. If the plates are exposed, only add water to a discharged or partially charged battery. In this case, only add water that just covers the plates, then charge the battery and continue with the following watering steps.

04 Remove the vent cap and turn it upside down to prevent dust from entering the lower side of the vent cap. Check the electrolyte level. If the electrolyte level is much higher than the plate, it means that no water is needed. If the electrolyte level is not above the plate, add distilled water or deionized water.

05 For standard batteries, add water to 3 mm below the exhaust well (referring to the plastic cover inside the exhaust hole). After adding water, please re-fix the vent cap on the battery.

II Charging

Proper charging is a prerequisite for maximizing battery performance. Undercharging or overcharging can significantly shorten the battery life. Most chargers are automatic and pre-programmed, and some chargers allow users to set the voltage and current values. Information about proper charging is as follows:

01 Electric forklift chargers are automatic and pre-programmed, and there is no need for user intervention in the charging process.

02 The battery should be fully charged after each use.

03 Lead-acid batteries have no memory effect, so they do not need to be fully discharged before recharging.

04 Please check the electrolyte level to ensure that the positive and negative plates are submerged before charging.

05 Before charging, check that all vent caps are properly fastened to the battery.

06 Charge only in a well-ventilated area.

07 Gas will be discharged (bubbling) at the end of the battery charge to ensure that the electrolyte is fully mixed.

08 Avoid charging at temperatures above 49 degrees Celsius.

III Prevent excessive discharge of batteries

It is strictly forbidden to discharge the battery more than 80% of the rated capacity. Excessive discharge will damage the battery, cause overheating of the battery and accessories, and shorten the battery life.

When the battery charge drops to 20%, it should be charged immediately. Otherwise, long-term insufficient charge will easily cause plate sulfation. During the sulfation process, sulfate crystals will form on the surface of the plate, causing plate capacity loss.

IV Keep the battery clean and tidy

High temperatures in summer may cause battery acid overflow. Use approved cleaning fluid to handle a small amount of acid overflow in flooded batteries. Acid overflow will not only corrode terminals and other structural parts, but also form a conductive circuit, causing power loss. Humidity will have a similar effect on flooded and sealed batteries. Therefore, the battery, box and surroundings should be kept clean and dry.

The above are some ways to maintain forklift batteries in summer. If you have other questions, you can contact our technicians to answer them for you！