How Long Does a Forklift Battery Actually Last?
To make sure that expensive units of electric forklift batteries would last, you should carry out correct care and maintenance. These industrial grade batteries are very costly, large and heavy. If the battery is more efficient, the more productive your equipment operators can be. Extending the life span of the battery is truly a top priority, not only because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the cost of down time associated with battery problems.
Charging Cycles
Bear in mind that you could only recharge forklift batteries when they are at least 80% discharged. The discharge rate varies depending on various factors like the number of shifts being worked, how many hours the forklift is being operated, and the average load weight. For busy operations, nightly charging may be required. Nonetheless, bear in mind that charging a battery very often would wear the battery a lot faster.
Life Span
Usually, a new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Hence, if the forklift battery is being charged daily, the battery would last roughly five years. However, this is an average estimation. The life of the battery can be extended a lot beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with proper maintenance.
Deep Discharge
Make certain that the battery of the forklift is never discharged totally. Not only could damage to the battery be caused by what is known as a "deep discharge", the forklift's electrical components and motor can sustain damage too. 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 can be compromised also. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised 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 battery charger to good working order.