Forklift Battery Maintenance Guide | Papé Material Handling
Home / Blog / Extend the Life of Your Forklift Battery with These Pro Tips

Extend the Life of Your Forklift Battery with These Pro Tips

a78ab684-b337-48fa-b692-3f034f3304fa

When they’re taken care of, electric batteries will last an average of 1,500 charge cycles – that’s about five years. Without regular preventative maintenance, however, they quickly deteriorate. Follow our expert tips to extend the life of your industrial batteries and get the most out of your investment.

WATERING

Under normal operating conditions, the water in your electric forklift batteries will evaporate. Check the water level after every five charges and add clean water as needed. For newer batteries, you’ll likely need to add water once a week.

The quality of the water you use will have a direct impact on the life of the battery. Be sure to use water with fewer than 100 parts per million of total dissolved solids. Dissolved solids in the water will solidify on the plates and shorten the battery’s life.

Batteries can be filled using canisters, specialty watering guns, or single point watering systems depending on the size of your fleet. Whichever method you choose, the same rules apply—only fill after charging and only up to ¼” of liquid above the top of the plates. Both over watering and under watering can result in damage.

WASHING

Forklift batteries should be washed with water and battery acid neutralizer every six months to remove corrosive buildup. This buildup causes damage to the plastic casing, corroded terminals, and shortens the battery life if it’s not removed.

Friendly reminder – wait for batteries to dry completely before using or charging them again. A closed system, appropriate disposal plan for wastewater, and personal protective equipment are required to stay in compliance with EPA and OSHA regulations when washing industrial batteries.

EQUALIZING

Overcharge batteries in a controlled process to break up the sulphation on battery plates – AKA battery equalization. The specific gravity should be checked at set intervals per the battery manufacturer instructions. This procedure – which helps to rebalance the electrolyte and rejuvenate the battery – is complete when specific gravity stops rising. Forklift batteries should be brought back to room temp before using again.

Because equalizing batteries takes longer than a typical charge, it is best to schedule on a slow day, every five to ten charge cycles.

Lead acid battery maintenance is extensive and time consuming, but it does result in longer battery life. If you’re interested in an option that requires less maintenance, read our blog on lithium ion batteries: Do Lithium Batteries Make Sense for Your Fleet?

If you have any questions about the battery maintenance tips we’ve shared, need a forklift part, or would like to schedule service, contact your nearest Papé Material Handling location in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, or Montana.

Related Content

Forklift Maintenance Checklist

Forklift Maintenance Checklist

As a warehouse manager, you know that your forklifts are some of the most important vehicles for your operation. How can you avoid unnecessary costs and replacements, making sure your forklifts are running in tip-top shape? Review our forklift maintenance checklist to be sure you and your daily operators are doing everything you can to

Safety First: Telehandler Pre-Use Inspection Guide

Safety First: Telehandler Pre-Use Inspection Guide

As a telehandler operator, it’s vital to conduct a proper pre-use telehandler inspection daily to ensure safety on the job, no matter your project. Taking the time to conduct a pre-use check can help you avoid long-term engine and drive-shaft damage, unnecessary and costly repairs, and – most importantly – injuries to employees on the

The Importance of Tire Maintenance

The Importance of Tire Maintenance

These are the Top 5 Ways that Poor Tire Management Can Affect Your Business and how Papé Material Handling's Mobile Industrial Tire Service can keep your fleet running effectively and efficiently.

New Equipment

At Papé Material Handling, we offer a wide range of high-quality equipment from trusted brands like Hyster®, Yale®, Taylor-Dunn, and Genie. Our selection includes everything from utility work carts and forklifts to aerial equipment and more, providing reliable solutions for all your material handling needs.

Used Equipment

At Papé Material Handling, we offer a diverse inventory of used equipment from trusted manufacturers like Hyster®, Yale®, and Combilift. Our selection includes forklifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers, and more—all thoroughly inspected and ready to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions for your business.

Staying Connected

Stay up to date on the latest promotions and events at Papé!