Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Your Battery
Forklift battery care and maintenance takes dedication, planning and time. However, proper handling and a regular charging plan will greatly increase the battery’s lifespan, saving you money and time!
Just like other battery-operated equipment, your forklift battery should not be connected to the charger until it’s at 25% capacity or below. If you charge the battery too soon you run the risk of shortening the lifespan of the unit. The charger should be set on “weekend” or “equalize” on approximately every 5th charge cycle, depending on the exact model of your charger. Be sure to review and closely follow the operation manual provided with your specific charger. Avoid interrupting the charge cycle or using the battery for several hours after the cycle has ended. Follow these rules and you’ll help make sure you get the most out of your battery!
One thing to always avoid is accidentally connecting the charger to the forklift rather than the battery. This is a common mistake and can damage both the charger and the forklift. Also, make sure the amperage of the battery matches that of the charger. Forklift batteries shouldn’t be allowed to discharge completely as this shortens the lifespan of the battery and can also prevent the charger from activating when first connected to the battery. If the charger can’t read any activity in the battery it won’t begin the charge cycle and a technician will likely have to re-set the charger parameters before the charge cycle can begin.
One thing that’s certain is that forklift batteries are very big, expensive and heavy. In some cases the battery may be removed from the forklift and a second battery installed in order to prevent down time. Great care should always be used in handling forklift batteries and there are a variety of tools and special equipment which can be used to safely remove or install a battery. The battery handling equipment may vary greatly from one machine to another. However, the use of proper battery handling equipment is important as it helps to avoid the potential of dropping or mishandling the battery and prevents costly battery replacement.
Follow these guidelines and you’ll be sure to extend the lifespan of your forklift battery!
Fleet Management – Your Peace of Mind Solution
July 19, 2010
By Doug Westlake Manager, Rentals and Training
Signs of economic recovery are all around us. Even though times are changing, the majority of BC companies are still recovering from what was certainly the most difficult economic time since the Great Depression. A bigger focus has been placed on conserving capital resources while maximizing employee productivity. Although economic conditions have improved, many companies are still conducting a critical review of their expenses, with a considerable focus on how to minimize operating costs while supporting employee morale.
If you’re considering replacing or upgrading your current fleet of lift trucks, you should definitely consider a long term rental solution. Here are just a few of the benefits of fleet management:
Conserves cash: One flat monthly fee covers equipment and maintenance. You can simply treat the monthly cost as an expense with no capital investment required. This also eliminates the risk of price increases and unexpected repair bills, reducing the cost of using a lift truck considerably!
Better “People” Solution: A long term rental solution saves valuable administrative time in issuing P.O.’s and processing invoices every month. Also, employee productivity can be maximized by using newer equipment and eliminating the need to have back-up units on site.
Flexibility: The equipment rental program can be tailored specifically to your needs. The solution will allow you to consolidate your fleet and eliminate unnecessary infrastructure, considerably reducing your expenses. Also, long-term rental solutions provide favourable tax benefits!
Long term rental solutions help you evaluate and manage the total cost of ownership for your fleet of lift trucks. Learn more about our fleet management solutions here.
To train or not to train
May 26, 2010
By Doug Westlake
Manager – Rentals & Operator Training
During these trying economic times certain cost cutting measures need to be evaluated to ensure a positive bottom line. One measure that seems to come up is whether or not to train forklift operators. Although training can be time consuming and costly, there are many benefits that help not only individual employees, but also the company as a whole.
When trying to decide whether to train, forget the fact that it is the law in British Columbia. If there is an injury or, even worse a fatality, and the operator is not properly trained, WorkSafeBC can hold the company to full liability with costs so high it would devastate many businesses. 70% of all compensable injury claims are directly or indirectly related to the absence of training or improper training. The cost to train your operators today is very small compared to the possible hidden costs that come with not training them.
A good training program produces knowledgeable, confident operators, reduces workplace accidents and leads to more productivity on the job. In addition, more efficient operators can lower your operating costs. That’s because skilled operators are less prone to accidents that cause injuries and damage property. Without proper instruction your assets can be depreciated from untrained operators.
Properly trained, safe and productive forklift operators can lift a company’s credibility and good name. Training shows your operators that their safety and longevity is extremely important which increases employee morale.
So, to train or not to train? It’s easy to see! The small upfront cost of proper training far outweighs the highly variable cost that is associated with not training.