As any warehouse manager knows, forklift fleets are the backbone of efficient warehouse operations. But without operable forklift batteries, fleets cannot continue. Electric forklift batteries must be properly maintained to power a warehouse fleet for optimal performance. From proper battery charging procedures to preventative maintenance, electric forklift batteries have specifications to be followed so warehouse crews can stay safe and reap the most benefits out of their equipment.
This remains especially true for industrial batteries sitting idle for long periods of time. Without proper battery maintenance, forklift batteries can become damaged if out of service for extended periods of time. With the right care, idle batteries can be maintained and kept ready for the future when they will be needed again.
Battery maintenance is required in general for keeping forklift batteries in prime condition. Forklift battery care contributes to their longevity and helps you get the most out of your investment in motive power equipment, as well as ensures the safety of your warehouse crew.
This remains true for idle forklifts. The COVID-19 crisis has upended the daily operations of warehouses and distribution centers nationwide. The combination of reduced workforces and warehouse closures have now left forklift fleets and their batteries idle in facilities across the nation.
Forklift batteries that are sitting idle or out of service for more than three weeks can sustain damage that will compromise their performance abilities once these workforces come back full force. To prevent any damage or a reduced cycle life, battery care is needed for batteries sitting for idle periods of time.
HAWKER® batteries have prepared guidelines for warehouse staff to follow to properly manage batteries sitting for idle periods of time. Follow their tips so your electric forklift batteries can be stored properly during this period of downtime.
This guideline is for the proper care of batteries unused for more than three weeks for both Flooded Lead Acid batteries and FLEX Thin Plate Pure Lead batteries (TPPL). Although separate instructions apply for each battery, each forklift battery must be fully charged prior to extended idle idle periods. Additionally, a small amount of additional care is required to ensure each battery achieves its maximum life.
If not taken care of properly, flooded lead acid batteries can suffer damage from either sulfation and stratification. Since the chemical element Antimony is added to each plate grid for extra strength and durability, there is a greater self-discharge rate. During extended periods of time, a flooded lead acid battery left in a discharge state will experience sulfation. A sulfated battery will have a reduced life cycle and capacity; eventually, the battery will need to be replaced.
Below is a checklist of how to properly remove a flooded lead acid battery from service and how to return it to service after an idle period. Remember that you should read and record the Individual Cell Voltage (ICV) of each battery once a month during the idle period to monitor the battery's condition.
FLEX/TPPL batteries can endure a much longer “shelf‐life” than other types of lead‐acid batteries if the forklift batteries are stored in a fully charged state. Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) refers to the pure lead grid composition. Since additives, such as Antimony, are not required for reinforced plate grids, FLEX/TPPL forklift batteries charge at a much slower rate and there is a much less change of sulfation.
Below is a checklist of how to properly remove FLEX/TPPL batteries from service and how to return batteries to service after an idle period. Remember that you should read and record the Individual Cell Voltage (ICV) of each battery every three months during the idle period to monitor the battery's condition.
Southern States Motive Power is proud to partner with HAWKER® Power Source, who has provided us with this information outlining proper maintenance for idle forklift batteries. With this knowledge, your warehouse will be ready to bounce back from the COVID-19 crisis with industrial forklift batteries that can immediately get back to work and drive revenue for your business.
To receive additional information regarding a specific site or situation, please contact your local HAWKER Representative @ 1-877-7HAWKER. Or, reach out to the experts at Southern States Enterprises today to help with your idle battery maintenance.