How Long Does a Forklift Battery Really Last?
Batteries of electric forklifts are expensive units that require proper care and maintenance to be able to ensure a long life. These industrial grade batteries are large, heavy and costly. The more efficient the battery, the more productive your machine operators can be. Extending the battery life span is a main concern, not just because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the expense of down time associated with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
Bear in mind that you could just recharge forklift batteries when they are at least 80% discharged. The discharge rate varies depending upon various factors like for instance the number of hours the forklift is being used, the average load weight and the number of shifts being worked. For busy operations, charging every night might be required. However, bear in mind that charging a battery too frequently would wear the battery a lot faster.
Life Span
Usually, a brand new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Hence, if the battery is being charged on a daily basis, the battery will last roughly five years. Nonetheless, this is an average estimate. The battery life span could be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A battery of the forklift should never be allowed to become totally discharged. Not only could damage to the battery result from what is known as a "deep discharge", the forklift's electrical parts and motor 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 properly communicate with the forklift battery can also be compromised. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger will be unable to charge the battery completely, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be required to return the battery charger to good working order.