How Long Does a Forklift Battery Actually Last?
To be able to make sure that expensive units of electric forklift batteries will last, you must perform correct care and maintenance. These industrial grade batteries are big, heavy and expensive. If the battery is more efficient, the more effective your machine operators could be. Extending the life span of the battery is a top priority, not only because of the replacement cost, but also because of the cost of down time associated with battery problems.
Charging Cycles
Don't forget that you can only recharge batteries of forklifts when they are at least 80% discharged. The rate of discharge varies depending upon various factors like the number of hours the forklift is being used, the average weight of loads and the number of shifts being worked. For busy operations, charging every night might be needed. However, remember that charging a battery very frequently will wear the battery more quickly.
Life Span
Brand new forklift batteries are normally made to last 1,500 charge cycles at least. Therefore, if the battery is being charged daily, the battery would last approximately five years. However, this is an average estimate. The life span of the battery 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 totally discharged. Not only can damage to the battery result from what is called "deep discharge", the forklift's electrical parts and motor can 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 properly communicate with the battery can be compromised also. In a worst-case scenario, the compromised battery charger will be unable to charge the forklift battery completely, resulting in a destructive cycle of incomplete charges. A service technician may be needed to return the battery charger to proper working order.