Part 1, we will discuss charging and maintaining a HITACHI, CHLORIDE forklift battery and then continue through to part two, covering cleaning and safety with a quick summary to finish off.

Recharging/charging

Do’s

• Every five to ten charge cycles, you should select equalise/weekend charge option. Each battery benefits from this by keeping the cell voltages even and in line.
• It is recommended in most applications that you charge a battery at the end of each 8hr shift or if it is discharged more than 20%.
• Always charge a battery in a well ventilated area.

Don’t

• Don’t over-discharge (discharge beyond 80%) the battery. This will significantly reduce the life expectancy of the battery.
• Don’t let a discharged battery sit there for extended periods. This will promote hard sulphation and significantly reduce the run time and life of the battery.
• Do not opportunity charge (i.e. charging during lunch breaks). Remember, each charge costs a cycle. If you charge your battery twice a day you will still get your 1500 cycles, but the will be used up in 2.5 years instead of 5.

Fluid Levels

• Check water levels and top up appropriately every 10 or so charges for the first few years.
• If it is a reconditioned battery you may need to do this every 5 charges.
• Most batteries now have Single Point Watering kits fitted. These must also be topped up at the end of charge, never before.
• Top up battery with clean water after charging only. Never top it up before beginning a charge.
• Check two or three pilot cells every 5 or so charges to check that the fluid level is above the perforated plastic element protector after charge.
• Never over fill as it will cause overflow on the next charge. An acid loss will inevitably shorten overall running time, can cause overheating and will require a shop service to rectify.

We hope you have grasped the basics and benefits of forklift battery maintenance and can now put some simple measures in place.

HOANG GIA LAM TRADING SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED
Showroom: 83/2 QL1A, An Phu Dong Ward, District 12, HCMC
Tel: (028) 6679 9069, 37197 557 / 173 / 174
Fax: (028) 37 197 175
Hotline: 0903 155 033, 0906 579 555, 0126 848 9999
Email: sales@hgl.com.vn, hoanggialam.mtv@gmail.com
Website: www.hgl.com.vn
Fanpage: Bình điện Hitachi, Bình điện Chlodride