How Long Does a Forklift Battery Last?
Electric forklifts batteries are expensive units which need proper maintenance and care to ensure a long life. These industrial grade batteries are costly, big and heavy. The more efficient the battery, the more productive your equipment operators could be. Extending the battery life span is a main concern, not only because of the cost of replacement, but also because of the cost of down time associated with battery issues.
Charging Cycles
Forklift batteries should be recharged only when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge varies depending on different things like the number of shifts being worked, the number of hours the forklift is being used, and the average load weight. For busy operations, nightly charging may be needed. However, remember that charging a battery very frequently will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Usually, a new forklift battery would last at least 1,500 charge cycles. Thus, if the forklift battery is being charged every day, the battery would last approximately five years. Nonetheless, this is an average estimation. The battery life span could be extended significantly beyond the average 1,500 charge cycles with proper maintenance.
Deep Discharge
A forklift battery should never be allowed to become completely discharged. Not only can damage to the battery be caused by what is referred to as a "deep discharge", the electrical components and motor of the forklift can sustain damage too. This is because the battery which is damaged can alter the amount of power being supplied to the forklift. The ability of the battery charger to properly communicate with the battery could also be compromised. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised charger would be unable to fully charge the battery, leading to a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician might be required to return the charger to proper working condition.