Electric Forklift - Maintenance and Operation of Traction Batteries

Electric forklifts are quite common in intra-warehouse operations. Engines are powered by traction batteries capable of working for a long time. In order for the equipment to be in good working order every day, it is necessary to know the features and rules of maintenance of the traction batteries of the electric forklift.

The main types of traction batteries for electric forklifts

Traction batteries for forklifts use different electrolytes. According to this principle, the following types of traction batteries are distinguished:

1. With liquid electrolyte: sulfuric acid is used. Batteries with it are the most common, they are called lead-acid. These are the cheapest batteries. Batteries with liquid alkaline electrolyte are used less frequently. 
2. Helium An electrolyte made of sulfuric acid is used, which contains special additives. They turn liquid sulfuric acid into a gel. In fact, these are improved lead-acid batteries that have more constant parameters and are easier to maintain.
3. Lithium As an electrolyte, lithium salt solutions are used together with other elements. They do not require maintenance, they are charged directly on the loader: there is no "memory effect". Of all types of traction batteries, this is the most expensive.

Batteries of different types differ in price. An important indicator: how many charging cycles they can withstand before exhaustion. For lead-acid batteries, this indicator is within 1200, for gel batteries - 1500. The service life of lithium traction batteries is the longest: up to 3 thousand cycles.

Rules of operation of traction batteries

Batteries fail prematurely not only because they are poorly maintained. Fatal mistakes are often made during their operation, which "kill" traction batteries. 

It is strictly prohibited:

1. Leave the traction battery discharged for more than 12 hours.
2. Discharge the battery below the permissible level. Modern forklifts have control devices.
3. Add electrolyte to the battery. The amount of sulfuric acid in it remains unchanged. During operation, only water evaporates.

Accumulators will last the time set by the design only if the rules for charging traction batteries are followed. After each battery change, the loader is put on charge. You should also stop work and charge the battery if the indicators show unacceptable discharge. The traction battery must be fully charged: intermediate and incomplete charges cause damage.

Battery maintenance

In the conditions of intensive operation of the electric loader, the batteries need constant proper care. The following types of maintenance are recommended:

1. Everyday. After the end of the shift, put the battery on charge, having previously cleaned it of dust and dirt, terminals from oxidation. Make sure the integrity of the insulation of the power cable.
2. Weekly. Check the density and voltage of each can. If the readings differ greatly, carry out an equalizing charge. Check the electrolyte level, add distilled water if necessary.
3. annual Check the insulation between the battery and the body of the loader for resistance. 50 Ohms per 1 Volt of voltage is allowed.

Periodic, once a month, inspection of the charger is also required. Observance of all simple rules for the care of the forklift battery will ensure its long-term performance.

Tips for extending battery life

There are no special secrets on how to extend the battery life of an electronic loader. The main thing is to follow the rules of operation, not to make mistakes and perform timely maintenance.

There are small subtleties that will help extend the life of batteries. They should be protected from temperature changes: so that they do not overheat in the summer and do not freeze in the winter. It is worth thinking about thermal insulation of the battery.

It is also recommended to use a charger with a desulfation mode to extend the life of traction batteries. Forklift Service offers electric forklifts equipped with traction batteries and modern chargers.