How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
Batteries of electric forklifts are expensive units which need proper maintenance and care to guarantee a long life. These industrial grade batteries are costly, big and heavy. If the battery is more efficient, the more productive your equipment operators can be. Extending the battery life span is a main concern, not just because of the replacement cost, but also because of the cost of down time associated with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
Bear in mind that you can only recharge batteries of forklifts when they are at least 80 percent discharged. The discharge rate differs depending upon various things like for instance the number of shifts being worked, the number of hours the forklift is being utilized, and the average load weight. For busy operations, charging nightly might be needed. However, don't forget that charging a battery too frequently will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Typically, a brand new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Hence, if the forklift battery is being charged every day, the battery would last roughly five years. Nevertheless, this is an average estimation. The life span of the battery can be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with correct maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A forklift battery must never be allowed to become fully 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 could alter the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to communicate properly with the battery can be compromised as well. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger can not charge the battery fully, causing a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician may be needed to return the charger to good working order.