Your guide to forklift battery maintenance
At Moorgate, we understand that your forklifts keep your operations moving. Proper battery care is key to ensuring your forklifts run smoothly, avoiding costly breakdowns and downtime that could impact your operations.
That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide, drawing from our years of industry expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or completely new to forklift maintenance, here are a few straightforward tips you can follow to keep your batteries in the best possible shape.
The dos and don’ts of forklift battery maintenance
First, let’s take a look at the fundamental practices that could make a huge difference to your forklift battery’s lifespan. Following these dos and don’ts is a great way to ensure your batteries are always operating at their peak potential.
Do:
- Stick to a regular charging routine, following the manufacturers guidance on cycles and timing.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry and ventilated area when they’re not being used.
- Keep your batteries clean and free from any dirt or corrosion build up.
- Check your batteries regularly for any signs of damage, like cracks or loose connections.
- Allow batteries to cool down after charging before using them again.
Don’t:
- Overcharge or undercharge batteries, as this can cause premature failure.
- Expose batteries to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight which can speed up wear and tear.
- Forget to top up the water levels and keep the electrolyte at the right level.
- Ignore any battery issues – addressing problems early helps prevent any further damage.
- Allow the battery to become completely discharged, as this can lead to damage.
- Attempt to charge a frozen battery – this is a huge hazard.
What happens if you don’t maintain batteries properly?
The key to battery maintenance is being proactive. While it can be tempting to put off battery maintenance, ignoring it can lead to much bigger problems down the line. A little preventative care goes a long way in avoiding these problems and keeping your operations running smoothly.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential issues that can arise.
Reduced battery life
Without proper care, your batteries will inevitably wear out a lot faster. This could lead to the need for more frequent, and more costly, replacements. Keep in mind that replacing a forklift battery can cost several thousand pounds, so maintenance is a cost-effective measure. Well-maintained batteries will typically last around 5-10 years, but neglecting their care can cut that lifespan significantly – potentially costing your business a lot of money.
Decreased performance
Poorly maintained batteries won’t hold a charge as well, which could reduce your forklift’s efficiency and runtime – negatively impacting your operations. You might find yourself needing to swap out batteries more often, leading to increased downtime.
Safety risks
Overheating, leaks and other issues that might arise as a result of poor forklift battery maintenance pose hazards to both your workforce and facilities. Explosions, fires and exposure to hazardous materials are all huge potential risks that could arise as a result of not properly maintaining your batteries.
Expert support for compliance and maintenance
As a forklift operator, it’s your responsibility to ensure your forklift batteries are well-maintained and that all your practices meet the relevant UK regulations. Failure to do this could result in a hefty fine, not to mention the potential for series accidents or injuries.
That’s where the Moorgate team come in. We’re proud to serve businesses up and down the UK, providing expert support and services to keep your forklifts in top condition. Our comprehensive services help your vehicles run at peak efficiency even during your busiest periods. We can offer regular inspections and forklift servicing to help you maintain your safety and compliance standards. We’re also on hand to provide expert guidance and advice on proper forklift care and compliance requirements. We can help you stay on top of your responsibilities while ensuring your operations run smoothly and safely.
We hope this guide has increased your understanding of forklift battery maintenance. Ready to optimise your forklift operations? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your forklifts running smoothly. Get in touch with our forklift experts on 0113 393 2881 or enquiries@moorgateltd.co.uk.
