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!
Compact Construction Equipment – Seldom Considered Buying Tips
May 19, 2010
By Larry Helfrich
Vicepresident
When buying compact construction equipment, there are many factors that a buyer needs to take into account.
Although equipment may be a common purchase for many companies, the amount of thought and research behind the purchase doesn’t always correspond to the amount spent on the equipment. Since equipment is usually a large purchase with maintenance and repair costs down the road, you should take an adequate amount of time to make a buying decision:
Manufacturer
- Is the manufacturer well known and financially sound?
- Is the equipment I am buying the main focus of this manufacturer or is it something else (cars, trucks, larger equipment, buses, other)? No one is tops at everything.
- Is the manufacturer known for producing higher-end, more expensive products? (They probably are expensive if that’s the reputation)
- What is the manufacturer’s market share for the equipment I am buying?
- Is the manufacturer easy to deal with on warranty issues? Will they consider policy adjustments for an out-of-warranty situation?
Dealer
- Is the dealer financially sound?
- How long has the dealer been in business?
- How easy is it to talk to the manager?
- Are the sales staff and other employees friendly and knowledgeable?
- Is the product I am buying the main focus of the dealer?
- Will other customers who bought larger or more expensive equipment be the dealer’s priority?
- Does the dealer employee factory trained technicians?
- Does the dealer have mobile technicians?
- What is the labour rate for repairs compared to competitors? This can easily be a $30.00 to $50.00 per hour difference.
- How large is the inventory of equipment and parts for the equipment I am considering?
- Does the dealer have rentals available? Are rental rates reduced for a replacement machine while mine is being repaired?
If you can answer positively about most of these points, you are very likely going to have greater confidence in your purchase decision and a positive ownership experience.