How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
Electric forklifts batteries are valuable units that need correct care and maintenance to ensure a long life. These industrial grade batteries are really heavy, expensive and large. If the battery is more efficient, the more productive your equipment operators can be. Extending the life span of the battery is really a top priority, not just because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the cost of down time connected with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
batteries of forklifts should be recharged only when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge differs depending on different things like the average load weight, the number of shifts being worked and how many hours the forklift is being used. For busy operations, nightly charging may be needed. However, bear in mind that charging a battery very often will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Usually, a new forklift battery will last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Hence, if the forklift battery is being charged daily, the battery will last about five years. Nonetheless, this is an average estimate. The life span of the battery could be extended a lot beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A battery of the forklift must 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 components and motor of the forklift could also sustain damage. This is because the damaged battery can alter the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to communicate properly with the forklift battery could also be compromised. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger would be unable to charge the battery fully, leading to a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician may be needed to return the charger to proper working condition.