The proper maintenance and handling of forklift batteries is imperative to their longevity. There’s a right way and a wrong way to maintain and handle forklift batteries and doing it properly will ensure your investment is maximized.

Proper Handling

Forklift batteries can be heavy and dangerous if not handled properly, so it’s important to be educated on the correct way to handle them. Use these tips for some ideas about handling batteries properly:

1. • Use special equipment, like a walkie pallet jack equipped with a transfer carriage, to maneuver the battery. Because of the weight of some forklift batteries, no single person should attempt to move a forklift battery alone. Steel toe shoes should also be worn while moving the batteries.

• • An eye and hand washing station should be nearby. Should any hazardous liquid come in contact with hands or eyes, a hand and eye washing station should be conveniently located nearby to remove it as quickly as possible.

• • Chemical-resistant protective gear should be worn while maneuvering batteries. Having a conveniently located eye and hand washing station is necessary, but chemical-resistant gear should also be worn to keep the need for the station at bay. This includes safety glasses and gloves.

1. • Remove all metallic jewelry when handling and charging.

Proper Charging

Properly charging a battery is all about doing it at the right time, for the right amount of time. Use these tips when charging your forklift battery:

1. • Designate an area specifically for battery charging. This is an OSHA-recommended best practice.

• • Remember that lead acid batteries should be charged at 80 percent depth of discharge. Charging prior to 80 percent can result in reduced battery life depending on the type of battery.  Discharging the battery past 80 percent depth of discharge can also be detrimental.

• • If your battery overflows, take time to rinse it. Rinsing your battery after an overflow will help prevent corrosion.

• • Ensure compatibility between the battery and the charger. The charger that is being used should match the voltage/amperage of the battery. Color coding the connectors and clearly labeling the chargers can help to prevent accidentally connecting a battery to the wrong charger. Proper training is also imperative.

• • Avoid overcharging the battery. Some batteries have battery management systems that can prevent overcharging. If yours doesn’t, take precautions not to overcharge it, which can reduce the battery’s life.

• • Charge and operate the batteries at the proper temperature. Charging a battery in extreme cold or heat can cause reduced service life. Since battery types and specifications may vary, contact the battery manufacturer for their recommended charging temperature range.

• • Add water when needed after the charging cycle. Adding water to a wet-cell battery prior to charging the battery is a common mistake. Pure or distilled water should be used and the watering should occur after a full charge cycle to bring the electrolytes to the proper level.

• • Ensure the charger is turned off before connecting or disconnecting the battery.

Electric vs. Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts

The great debate – electric forklifts versus IC (internal combustion) forklifts. This decision is not only for new companies. Established companies may also weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel, especially if there is a shift of priorities to “go green.”

Electric Forklifts

The forklift industry has experienced a shift in sales, with electric forklifts now accounting for nearly 60% of the forklift market. Electric forklifts are rising in popularity due to advances in technology that are allowing them to operate more comparably to internal combustion engine forklifts in regards to performance and run time. The emergence of fast-charging capabilities, higher-voltage outputs, and new and improved battery, pump, and motor technologies are some of the reasons for these breakthroughs.

Electric forklift advantages include:

• No exhaust emissions: Electric forklifts are powered by electrical energy sources such as batteries or fuel cells, which eliminates an employee’s exposure to potentially harmful exhaust emissions.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Electric forklifts use no disposal waste (i.e. engine and transmission fluid) and a high percentage of battery lead can be recycled.
• Operator ergonomics: Less noise and vibration is generated by the electric forklift, reducing operator fatigue.
• Decreased repair costs: Electric forklifts have less moving parts to maintain and repair. AC motor technology further eliminates brushes to create no spark hazard and better speed control.
• Lower long-term fuel costs: Batteries for the electric forklift can be recharged. Although the upfront costs for batteries and chargers can be expensive, the return on investment over time is typically higher than when using fuel.

With these advantages come other factors to consider. Although electric forklifts have lower lifetime fuel costs, the initial cost is higher. In addition to the cost of the battery, an area for charging, watering and cleaning must be arranged. Certain electric forklifts can be at a disadvantage when using the forklift in an outdoor application, depending on the design of the forklift. Many forklifts today, including Toyota’s 3-Wheel Electric and 80V Pneumatic models are designed to protect critical forklift components from potential damage due to water intrusion. Downtime can also be experienced if the battery is not charged or equalized properly.

IC Forklifts

The market is still strong for IC forklifts. They account for about 40% of the forklift market and are viable solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications.  IC forklifts tend to be more popular for outdoor, high-capacity applications and for specialty applications such as paper roll handling and container handling.

IC forklift advantages include:

• Flexible application: IC forklifts are good indoors and outdoors. They operate well in rain and other inclement weather.
• Multi-shift use: The fuel savings associated with electric forklifts is greatly diminished or negated when multiple batteries are required to keep an operation running. These batteries also take up additional space in a facility, reducing efficiencies and increasing operating costs.
• Lower initial cost: On propane powered forklifts, only the investment of propane tanks and their storage area is needed to operate the forklift. Gasoline, diesel, and CNG powered forklifts are usually purchased when refilling stations are conveniently available. The infrastructure for these stations, however, can be very expensive if they don’t already exist at your facility.
• Easy to refuel: IC forklifts running out of fuel do not require a lengthy charging period. An operator can easily replace the propane tank in 5 minutes and then continue production. Gasoline, diesel, and CNG powered forklifts can also be refueled in a matter of minutes depending on their location. This is especially important with a multi-shift operation.

Other factors to consider when purchasing an IC forklift include providing ventilation in the warehouse due to emissions, operator fatigue due to noise and vibration and the physical requirements of changing propane tanks. Finally, if the operation does not require an IC forklift you should consider the lifetime costs of maintenance, repairs and fuel cost when compared to an electric forklift.

LP vs. Gasoline vs. Diesel vs. CNG Powered Forklifts

Once you’ve made the choice to go with internal combustion engine powered forklifts for your operation, you now need to decide which fuel type is best for you.  The following tips should help to point you in the right direction.

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LP) – LP is ideal for customer locations that do not have gasoline, diesel, or CNG refilling stations readily available.  If you’re purchasing forklifts for a new facility, LP has the lowest initial cost since all you essentially need to purchase are LP tanks and a place to store them.  LP tanks can also be swapped in a matter of minutes, which can reduce your amount of downtime when refueling.  LP forklifts are available with both cushion and pneumatic tires and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor operations.

Diesel – Diesel fuel is highly efficient and can provide longer run times in general compared to other fuel types. One by-product of the combustion process with diesel is soot, which can accumulate in the exhaust system of a forklift and needs to be removed. Most Toyota forklifts are built with diesel oxidation catalysts so that this is slowly burned off over time, but there are some forklifts out there that use diesel particular filters that need to go through a manual regen process to burn away these deposits.  This can lead to more downtime since the forklift must be parked and not in use for the manual regen process to complete.  In general, diesel engines also have higher torque than their LP or gas counterparts, which can provide increased gradeability and acceleration. While fuel pricing is subject to change, diesel currently costs more per gallon than gasoline, providing a better return on investment over years of use. Diesel forklifts are generally only available with pneumatic type tires and are designed for outdoor use. This is mostly due to the fact that they are louder machines and produce more emissions than LP or gas powered forklifts.

Gasoline – Gasoline only powered forklifts are pretty rare in the material handling industry due to the popularity of dual fuel forklifts and the general lack of gasoline fueling stations, but they do serve a purpose. For customers that have refueling stations readily available, conveniently placed, and able to accommodate the size of their fleet, there is little reason to use LP or dual fuel configurations. Gasoline powered forklifts also do not have an LP tank and bracket on the back of the forklift, which can increase rearward visibility. They are also typically more powerful than their diesel alternatives and can provide increased travel and lift/lower speeds.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) – Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered forklifts also require the appropriate refilling equipment in order to operate, but this type of fuel provides some distinct advantages. CNG is better for the environment and for overall air quality due to the fact that it produces less emissions and the natural gas dissipates into the air as water vapor and carbon dioxide in the event of a leak. Unlike LP forklifts, the CNG tank is never removed, but is actually refilled which can reduce downtime and operator strain. Infrastructure for CNG refueling stations, however, can be expensive due to the large amount of land required and general cost of equipment and installation. This, along with other barriers to entry such as obtaining the proper permits and having an adequate natural gas supply make CNG an unpopular choice in the current material handling market.

Power solutions will deliver the next generation of forklift efficiency. Toyota is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in power technology innovations – testing new power sources and energy integrations that will continue to maximize the value of all Toyota Forklifts.

Lithium-ion forklift battery technology is one example of the advanced thinking driving Toyota. Lithium-ion forklift batteries provide a wide variety of efficiency advantages that can offer excellent return on investment when managed appropriately. From consistent power delivery to quicker charging capabilities, exploring lithium-ion forklift battery options can reveal your next steps in operational efficiency.

As the manufacturer of North America’s most expansive material handling product line, Toyota recognizes its responsibility in leading the charge in efficient power solutions. With almost every product in Toyota’s electric line offering lithium-ion compatibility*, you can take advantage of our industry-leading innovation now and into the future.

Key Advantages of Lithium-Ion Forklift Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries can offer your operation an advantage by increasing efficiency. If the conditions are right for the investment and the space is available for charging, there are several key factors that may lead you to adopting this energy solution.

Consistent Power: Whether you have a single-shift, single-forklift operation or a large fleet working 24-hours a day, one important factor in delivering results and projecting milestones is consistent power throughout the charge of the battery. Lithium-ion forklift batteries deliver consistent power and battery voltage throughout the full charge; lead-acid battery charges deliver declining power rates as the shift wears on.

Faster Charging Speeds: In the context of day-to-day operations, lithium-ion forklift batteries offer significantly faster charging speeds and don’t require charging cooldown. This can help optimize daily productivity or even reduce the number of forklifts needed to complete objectives.

Opportunity Charging: Lithium-ion forklift batteries can be opportunity charged in any setting, eliminating the need for time-consuming battery swaps.

Fewer Required Batteries: Lithium-ion forklift batteries can remain in equipment longer where one battery can take the place of three lead-acid batteries in a multi-shift use setting. This helps eliminate the cost and storage space required for additional lead-acid batteries.

Virtually Maintenance Free: Lithium-ion batteries are virtually maintenance free, requiring none of the watering, equalizing, and cleaning needed to maintain lead-acid batteries.

The Future of Lithium-Ion Forklift Battery Technology:

As the industry pushes to revolutionize, Toyota is committed to fully outfitting our electric product line with lithium-ion solutions. Toyota Material Handling was the first manufacturer to offer a UL-E and UL-EE certified integration of lithium-ion batteries and forklifts. Available on Toyota 3-Wheel Electric and 4-Wheel Electric Models, UL-certification is just the first in a long line of planned innovations.

With Toyota Material Handling, the revolution is here. 

*Only specific lithium-ion battery brands/models are compatible with specific Toyota material handling products.

Original Post: Jake Stewart, Digital Copywriter, Toyota Material Handling

Keeping a warehouse running smoothly and productively is one of the biggest challenges facing business operators across a wide variety of industries. Whether you’re moving pallets full of food, large stacks of tires, or other materials ready for distribution, choosing the right forklift can mean a world of difference in levels of productivity.

Toyota’s line of electric material handling equipment is wide-ranging and includes forklifts, electric walkie pallet jacks, electric stackers, order pickers, and reach trucks. All of these options increase your uptime because of low maintenance requirements, drastically cut the fuel cost of your fleet, and produce no fuel exhausts (which keeps your employees healthy and your goods clean). 

With lifting capacities ranging from 2,000-12,000 lbs., Toyota offers an electric option for almost any warehousing application. Here are just a few options that help make Toyota your full line supplier of material handling equipment.

Core Electric Forklift:

The Toyota Core Electric Forklift is one of the most versatile products available for your warehouse needs. Offering a 6,500 lb. lift capacity and the ability to navigate 11 ft. aisles, the Core Electric is a must-have for operations in large warehouse spaces.

Stand-Up Rider Forklift:

The Toyota Stand-Up Rider Forklift is a warehouse solution for highly mobile operators. If your warehouse applications call for operators to constantly get on and off their forklift, the Stand-Up Rider might just be the right fit in tight spaces.

3-Wheel Electric Forklift:

The Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift lets your operators maneuver tight aisles effortlessly. It can operate nimbly in spaces under 10’ because of its zero-turn radius and compact manufacturing.

80V Electric Pneumatic Forklift:

With its rugged design, The Toyota Electric Pneumatic Forklift is capable of withstanding harsh conditions when warehouses have both indoor and outdoor needs. Built to do similar work as its IC Pneumatic counterparts, these machines allow all-electric fleets to stay that way.

Electric Walkie Pallet Jack:

For mid-distance runs that require more speed and power than a standard hand pallet jack can provide, Toyota’s Electric Walkie Pallet Jack offers operators the flexibility they need to tackle many warehouse challenges. It also gives their backs a break from manual labor, keeping them working, happy, and healthy.

Electric Walkie Stacker:

For your short and mid-distance warehousing needs that require stacking capabilities, the Toyota Electric Walkie Stacker offers an alternative when a full-sized electric forklift just isn’t necessary. It’s ideal for light-duty stacking in busy warehouses.

Order Picker:

The Toyota 6-Series and 7-Series Order Pickers offer easy solutions for your order retrieval needs. With their compact engineering, our order pickers can navigate in very narrow aisles allowing for more efficient warehouse design.

Reach Truck:

With Toyota Reach Trucks, expanding warehouses can grow up instead of out. When you can reach high to several levels of warehouse racks, you efficiently use your space leading to increases in revenue and ROI.

Still not sure what warehouse forklift to choose? Here’s a quick reference by industry:

For more information about Toyota electric warehouse products contact us or request a quote

Lead acid batteries are one of the most neglected pieces of equipment in material handling. Low water levels, corrosion, and electrolyte spillage are common issues that need to be monitored on a daily basis, but one practice that tends to be forgotten is the equalization charge. So, what is an equalization charge? I’m glad you asked!

What is an equalized charge on a forklift battery?

An equalization charge occurs when the battery is purposely overcharged after a full charging cycle. Essentially, you are charging the battery at a higher voltage than it is typically charged to help remove built-up sulfate and balance the voltage of each cell.

Why perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery?

If you don’t equalize your lead acid batteries, this sulfate is going to build up over time until it decreases the battery’s capacity. This buildup will effectively reduce your maximum run time, leading to more battery swaps or more time spent opportunity charging throughout the work shift. The voltage imbalance has a similar effect. Batteries work by using multiple cells that are connected in series to provide a certain voltage output. When you have varying power outputs in each cell, your overall battery voltage is reduced and your battery becomes discharged more quickly.

When should I perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery?

Equalization charges should be performed as suggested by the battery manufacturer, but many companies equalize their batteries over the weekend due to the long charging cycle. A full charge cycle is around eight hours for a standard lead acid battery and the equalization charge can be around an additional three hours. Equalization intervals will vary depending on your specific application, type and size of battery, and average operating hours.

How do I perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery?

First, you need a charger capable of equalization, as not all battery chargers have the same capabilities. Dillon Toyota Lift is here to ensure you have the proper charging equipment for all of your forklifts. Some battery chargers will automatically equalize the batteries. This capability is more common in more sophisticated systems on smaller products such as electric walkie pallet jacks. Toyota’s 8HBW23 model, for example, automatically equalizes each battery cell during normal charging.

For batteries that do require manual equalization, be sure to follow all instructions provided by both the battery and the charger manufacturer to ensure you are following the appropriate steps for proper equalization. Equalization charges typically require longer cooldowns than normal charges due to the higher amount of voltage. Allow enough time for cooldown prior to using a battery that has been recently charged.

Original Post:  Trinton Castetter, Product Marketing Specialist, Toyota Material Handling, USA

Whether it’s navigating through narrow aisles, moving pallets or picking large paper rolls, various environments present unique challenges for material handlers. IC and electric forklifts are divided into seven different classes that handle a wide range of needs. The types of forklifts in each class include:

• Class I: Electric motor rider forklifts are typically suitable for loading and unloading tractor-trailers and handling pallets. They’re ideal for indoor applications because they are quieter than other forklifts and create no emissions.

• Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle forklifts (reach trucks, order pickers) have maneuverability features that allow them to operate in tight spaces and narrow aisles. Typical uses for this class of forklifts include picking and storing inventory. These trucks provide users the ability to increase racking space without expanding their current warehouse.

• Class III: Electric pallet jacks, stackers and tow tractors comes in both rider and walk-behind models, often used to unload deliveries and move loads to a staging area where they can be handled by other types of forklifts.

• Class IV: IC cushion tire forklifts are IC-powered sit-down units designed for a wide range of indoor applications. Their solid, cushioned tires provide a smooth ride on indoor surfaces and they’re puncture-proof since they are not air-filled. Some of the specific applications in this class include forklifts built specifically to lift paper rolls, lifts designed for use in railcars and lifts that can move steel coils.

• Class V: IC pneumatic tire forklifts are similar to those in Class IV but were built primarily for outdoor use, including lumberyards, construction sites
and other outdoor applications.

• Class VI: Electric/IC engine tow tractors includes electric and IC engine tow tractors. These machines are most commonly used for towing loads rather than lifting. Trucks in this class are ideal for use at airports but are also commonly used in assembly line areas.

• Class VII: Rough terrain forklifts feature large, tractor-style tires and are powered almost exclusively by diesel engines for outdoor use in rugged terrain. Class VII trucks are most commonly used at lumberyards or construction sites to lift building materials to elevated work sites.

Of course, the types of applications will help determine which forklift is ideal for each operation. One of the other important considerations includes the cost of battery charging infrastructure vs. fuel expenses.

The great debate regarding forklift fuel options – electric forklifts versus IC (internal combustion) forklifts. This decision is not only for new companies. Established companies may also weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel, especially if there is a shift of priorities to “go green.”

Electric Forklifts

The forklift industry has experienced a shift in sales, with electric forklifts now accounting for nearly 60% of the forklift market. Electric forklifts are rising in popularity due to advances in technology that are allowing them to operate more comparably to internal combustion engine forklifts in regards to performance and run time. The emergence of fast-charging capabilities, higher-voltage outputs, and new and improved battery, pump, and motor technologies are some of the reasons for these breakthroughs.

Electric forklift advantages include:
•No exhaust emissions: Electric forklifts are powered by electrical energy sources such as batteries or fuel cells, which eliminates an employee’s exposure to potentially harmful exhaust emissions.
•Reduced maintenance costs: Electric forklifts use no disposal waste (i.e. engine and transmission fluid) and a high percentage of battery lead can be recycled.
•Operator ergonomics: Less noise and vibration is generated by the electric forklift, reducing operator fatigue.
•Decreased repair costs: Electric forklifts have less moving parts to maintain and repair. AC motor technology further eliminates brushes to create no spark hazard and better speed control.
•Lower long-term fuel costs: Batteries for the electric forklift can be recharged. Although the upfront costs for batteries and chargers can be expensive, the return on investment over time is typically higher than when using fuel.

With these advantages come other factors to consider. Although electric forklifts have lower lifetime fuel costs, the initial cost is higher. In addition to the cost of the battery, an area for charging, watering and cleaning must be arranged. Certain electric forklifts can be at a disadvantage when using the forklift in an outdoor application, depending on the design of the forklift. Many forklifts today, including Toyota’s 3-Wheel Electric and 80V Pneumatic models are designed to protect critical forklift components from potential damage due to water intrusion. Downtime can also be experienced if the battery is not charged or equalized properly.

IC Forklifts

The market is still strong for IC forklifts. They account for about 40% of the forklift market and are viable solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications.  IC forklifts tend to be more popular for outdoor, high-capacity applications and for specialty applications such as paper roll handling and container handling.

IC forklift advantages include:
•Flexible application: IC forklifts are good indoors and outdoors. They operate well in rain and other inclement weather.
•Multi-shift use: The fuel savings associated with electric forklifts is greatly diminished or negated when multiple batteries are required to keep an operation running. These batteries also take up additional space in a facility, reducing efficiencies and increasing operating costs.
•Lower initial cost: On propane powered forklifts, only the investment of propane tanks and their storage area is needed to operate the forklift. Gasoline, diesel, and CNG powered forklifts are usually purchased when refilling stations are conveniently available. The infrastructure for these stations, however, can be very expensive if they don’t already exist at your facility.
•Easy to refuel: IC forklifts running out of fuel do not require a lengthy charging period. An operator can easily replace the propane tank in 5 minutes and then continue production. Gasoline, diesel, and CNG powered forklifts can also be refueled in a matter of minutes depending on their location. This is especially important with a multi-shift operation.

Other factors to consider when purchasing an IC forklift include providing ventilation in the warehouse due to emissions, operator fatigue due to noise and vibration and the physical requirements of changing propane tanks. Finally, if the operation does not require an IC forklift you should consider the lifetime costs of maintenance, repairs and fuel cost when compared to an electric forklift.

LP vs. Gasoline vs. Diesel vs. CNG Powered Forklifts

Once you’ve made the choice to go with internal combustion engine powered forklifts for your operation, you now need to decide which fuel type is best for you.  The following tips should help to point you in the right direction.

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LP) – LP is ideal for customer locations that do not have gasoline, diesel, or CNG refilling stations readily available.  If you’re purchasing forklifts for a new facility, LP has the lowest initial cost since all you essentially need to purchase are LP tanks and a place to store them.  LP tanks can also be swapped in a matter of minutes, which can reduce your amount of downtime when refueling.  LP forklifts are available with both cushion and pneumatic tires and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor operations.

Diesel – Diesel fuel is highly efficient and can provide longer run times in general compared to other fuel types. One by-product of the combustion process with diesel is soot, which can accumulate in the exhaust system of a forklift and needs to be removed. Most Toyota forklifts are built with diesel oxidation catalysts so that this is slowly burned off over time, but there are some forklifts out there that use diesel particular filters that need to go through a manual regen process to burn away these deposits.  This can lead to more downtime since the forklift must be parked and not in use for the manual regen process to complete.  In general, diesel engines also have higher torque than their LP or gas counterparts, which can provide increased gradeability and acceleration. While fuel pricing is subject to change, diesel currently costs more per gallon than gasoline, providing a better return on investment over years of use. Diesel forklifts are generally only available with pneumatic type tires and are designed for outdoor use. This is mostly due to the fact that they are louder machines and produce more emissions than LP or gas powered forklifts.

Gasoline – Gasoline only powered forklifts are pretty rare in the material handling industry due to the popularity of dual fuel forklifts and the general lack of gasoline fueling stations, but they do serve a purpose. For customers that have refueling stations readily available, conveniently placed, and able to accommodate the size of their fleet, there is little reason to use LP or dual fuel configurations. Gasoline powered forklifts also do not have an LP tank and bracket on the back of the forklift, which can increase rearward visibility. They are also typically more powerful than their diesel alternatives and can provide increased travel and lift/lower speeds.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) – Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered forklifts also require the appropriate refilling equipment in order to operate, but this type of fuel provides some distinct advantages. CNG is better for the environment and for overall air quality due to the fact that it produces less emissions and the natural gas dissipates into the air as water vapor and carbon dioxide in the event of a leak. Unlike LP forklifts, the CNG tank is never removed, but is actually refilled which can reduce downtime and operator strain. Infrastructure for CNG refueling stations, however, can be expensive due to the large amount of land required and general cost of equipment and installation. This, along with other barriers to entry such as obtaining the proper permits and having an adequate natural gas supply make CNG an unpopular choice in the current material handling market.

Still unsure?  Contact Us or simply answer a few questions on our Find A Forklift tool! 

Electric forklifts are awesome! Electric forklifts are low-emission vehicles that are less maintenance than an internal combustion forklift, while maintaining a similar workload as its internal combustion counterpart. This is due to the high-powered forklift battery. With that said, electric forklifts require some unique care that other types of equipment might not require. Failing to take the proper precautions with electric equipment can lead to breakdowns that cost time and money.

1. High Temperatures’ Impact on Forklift Battery Life

Heat is a battery’s arch nemesis. Heat from forklift operation causes the lead within the industrial battery to deteriorate. If you use the forklift and battery for an entire shift, make sure you let the battery charge properly and sit long enough to cool down before using it again in the forklift. Also, while you are charging, you will want open the hood to provide proper ventilation. This will help cool the forklift’s battery. Simply, the heat can take years off the battery’s life if not appropriately managed.

2. Over AND Under Charging Damages Forklift Battery Life

Your forklift needs a good night’s rest just like the rest of us. If you don’t get enough sleep, you might be frazzled for the day, but if you over sleep, you still might still feel worn out. If you don’t charge the forklift’s battery just right, you risk harming your battery’s lifespan. If you over charge your forklift battery, you risk excess heat, causing the battery to deteriorate (heat is not your battery’s friend, as we talked about before). You do not want to under charge your battery either, because undercharging leads to plate sulphation and battery breakdown. Under charging can drastically shorten the lifespan of the battery.

3. Watering for Increased Forklift Battery Life

Is watering your battery like watering your garden? Well, kind of. Your battery requires watering to provide the appropriate discharge to power your forklift. Lead-acid batteries used in forklifts typically have a mixture of 35% lead acid and 65% water within its cells. You can see that water is very important for powering the battery. During discharge, water evaporates, but the lead acid does not. The evaporation creates disproportionate levels of water and acid. So, you need to replace that water. In this case, you need to water your battery. Easy enough right? Not quite. If the battery is topped up with water at any stage other than fully charged, you risk the battery spilling water and acid on top of the battery and onto the floor. This causes the battery oxidize and lose acid, ultimately losing capacity for operation. Simply put, you only want to water the battery after it has been fully charged.

Original Post:  Kenny Trusnik, Marketing Systems & eCommerce Specialist, Toyota Material Handling, USA