Forklift batteries are an essential component of your forklift and, by extension, your business. If your forklift battery runs down or isn’t working properly, this will have implications on your ability to make production and project deadlines, losing you time and money. 

Proper care and maintenance of your forklift batteries can extend their life, improve your vehicle's performance, and reduce the risk of damaging your equipment. 

Proper maintenance of forklift batteries can extend their lifespan

Regularly cleaning your battery and its connections can prevent corrosion and improve your battery's overall performance. Dirt and corrosion can interfere with the flow of electricity, which will reduce the battery's performance and impact your production schedule.

Good battery maintenance helps to ensure reliable performance and longevity so here are some critical steps to follow for proper forklift battery care:-

Ensure correct charging of forklift batteries

Regular and proper charging is critical to maintaining the health of your battery. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging procedures, including using adequate charging equipment and maintaining proper electrolyte levels.

Properly charging forklift batteries is also crucial for maintaining your battery's and your vehicle's performance and longevity.

Correct charging increases battery life
Overcharging or undercharging your battery can cause permanent damage, reducing your battery's lifespan. The correct charging levels help maintain your battery's capacity and extend its lifespan, meaning you can run your forklifts more reliably and for longer.

Appropriate charging helps to maintain battery performance
Appropriate charging helps keep your battery's voltage and electrolyte levels within the recommended range, which helps maintain its performance and efficiency over the long run.

The right charge helps prevent damage
Overcharging or undercharging a battery can cause damage to the internal components of the battery, such as the plates and separators, reducing its performance and lifespan. This means you will purchase batteries more often than required. 

Correctly charging your forklift batteries saves you money
Proper charging helps extend the life of your battery, reducing the need for frequent replacements and swap-outs. Also, proper charging can improve your battery's performance, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs, which helps to save you money. 

Charging batteries to the correct level is a critical aspect of forklift battery care. By following the tips above and keeping the manufacturer's recommended procedures in mind, your battery can operate safely and efficiently for as long as possible.

Ensure you have the right storage for unused forklift batteries

It’s common for many businesses to have spare forklift batteries in storage so they’re available at any given moment. If one battery dies or is drained, a new battery can be swapped out and production can continue. 

Store forklift batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid storing the battery in direct sunlight or in areas where temperatures fluctuate widely.

Proper handling will ensure your forklift batteries are always in the best shape possible 

When handling forklift batteries, it’s always a good idea to do this with as much care as possible. Don’t drop or roughly handle the battery, as doing so will most likely cause internal damage that you won’t see until it’s too late. 

Also, use correct lifting equipment and wear gloves when handling batteries. None of us is getting any younger so this will save your back and your hands.

If you have to dispose of a forklift battery, make sure you do it correctly

When your forklift battery has reached the end of its life, it must be disposed of properly. Lead-acid batteries contain hazardous materials and must be recycled or disposed of according to your local council regulations. 

It’s worth noting that companies can face some pretty hefty fines for improper disposal of batteries, so make sure you contact your local council to ensure you do it properly. 

By following the simple steps above, you can ensure that your forklift battery will provide reliable and efficient performance for your vehicles keeping you on track for production, no matter your workload.