The biggest headache in any operation is downtime. When not properly maintained, batteries can cause forklift downtime for charging, maintenance or even replacement.
Proper maintenance of your forklift batteries and chargers is crucial to keeping your operation up and running.
Forklift Battery Hazards and Problems
Weak or Bad Cell - An undetected weak or bad cell will cause more battery changes and overheating, shortening the life of the battery for your forklift or lift truck.
Corrosion - A dirty or corroded battery creates heat buildup that can decrease run time, shorten the battery’s life, and lead to other significant safety hazards.
Damaged Cables - Damaged cables and connectors increase maintenance costs due to false voltage and amp readings, causing intermittent codes and diagnostic problems.
Improper Charging - Improper charging practices can increase charging frequency and shorten the life of your battery.
When You Install or Change a Battery
- Turn the truck OFF and check that all controls are in neutral. Disconnect the battery.
- Tilt the steering wheel up, remove the storage tray (if present), and move the seat towards the rear. Raise the seat deck to the open position. Note: A seat deck can fall. Make certain the gas struts are working properly and will hold the seat deck securely in the open position.
- Remove the full side cover or short battery retainer.
- Make certain you use the correct size and weight battery. Never operate a truck that has an underweight or undersized battery installed.
- If you use a roller stand to install or remove a battery, make sure the roller stand is the same height as the rollers in your truck's battery compartment. Also make sure the roller stand is at least as long as thebattery.
- Never let anything metal touch the top of the cells. You could cause sparks or do damage to the battery. Use an insulator (such as plywood) when necessary.
- Use an approved spreader bar to move a battery to, or from, the battery compartment or stand. Make sure you adjust the spreader bar hooks to fit the battery.
After Installing Your Forklift Battery
- Return, lower and tighten the battery retainer and replace the side cover.
- Lower and latch the battery cover.
- Connect the battery.
- Return the steering wheel, seat, and armrest to a comfortable position. Make sure that you can fully operate the controls. Turn the truck ON and check truck operation.
Forklift Batteries Can Be Dangerous
Lead acid forklift batteries produce gas that can explode. They also contain acid that could burn or disfigure you.
- Do not try to install, remove, charge or service your truck battery unless you are trained and authorized.
- Never smoke or use an open flame around batteries.
- Your company should provide an area where it is safe to work on batteries. Use that area for all battery work.
- Use protective equipment such as gloves, eye shields, aprons etc. when working on batteries.
Forklift Battery Retainer Must Be in Place
The battery could slide out if the retainer is not in place. Truck operation can be affected if the battery is able to shift. Check that the retainer is installed and secure.
Forklift Battery Size and Weight Is Important
Make certain you use the correct size and weight battery. Never operate a truck that has an underweight or undersized battery installed.
Before Charging Your Forklift Battery
- See that the battery cells are filled to the proper level. Never use an open flame to check the batteries.
- Check that the charger is the same voltage and amperage as the battery. Read the battery charger instructions.
- Be sure the charger is turned OFF before connecting the battery to the charger. Otherwise a spark could cause the battery to explode. Also, make sure the truck key switch is turned off and all controls are in neutral.
Install or Change a Forklift Battery Using a Hinged Door
- Pull the door release to unlock the door.
- Open the door all the way until it latches in place.
- Loosen, lift and swing the battery retainer away from the battery.
After Installing Your Forklift Battery Using a Hinged Door
- Return, lower and tighten the battery retainer.
- Release the door latch and close the battery door.
- The door should lock in place. Check that it is secure.
- Lower and latch the battery cover.
- Connect the battery.
- Return the steering wheel, seat, and armrest to a comfortable position. Make sure that you can fully operate the controls. Turn the truck ON and check truck operation.
Install or Change a Forklift Battery Using a Hard Cab
Open the doors and rear window all the way when changing the battery or while servicing the truck. Never drive the truck with the doors or rear window open.
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