HITACHI, CHLORIDE Forklift Batteries Maintenance (Part 2): Extending Your Battery’s Life

We hope since part 1 you have taken some points and looked at some specific aspects of your forklift battery. If you haven’t read part 1 please have a quick look back to get the full story of forklift battery maintenance. Continuing on from part 1 introduction and tips on charging and maintenance we will continue with our series by going into forklift battery cleaning and safety.

Cleaning

• If a battery overspills wash it immediately with water (baking soda optional) to stop corrosion on top of and underneath the battery. Use an adequate amount of water to dilute the acid so it is not environmentally harmful.
• The spilled acid is highly conductive and caustic. If not cleaned away immediately, the conductivity can negatively deteriorate battery life (even when not in use) and produce extra heat during recharge.
• Acid vapours escape during charge, and end up developing residue around the vent cap area. Rinsing of batteries is therefore recommended half yearly (or as needed) to remove the acid residue from the battery.

Safety

Forklift battery safety is the most important issue. Although batteries are designed to be extremely safe you must always be mindful and cautious when dealing with them as acid is not something you should take lightly. It is important that safety precautions are taken into account when handling batteries which include:

• The weight of the battery can be an overwhelming object weighing in at around one tonne! Ensure that the pallet you use will support the weight of the battery.
• Ensure you take the battery out of the forklift when recharging (reduces heat).
• Wear eye goggles and polystyrene clothes (acid will eat through cotton).
• Wear protective gloves.

Helpful practices for your Forklift Battery

Do’s

• Keep batteries clean and clear of rubbish at all times.
• Check the condition of the plugs & cables to ensure there are no exposed wires or loose fittings

Don’ts

• Never place metallic objects on top of the battery
• Do not remove the battery from the charger until the charger has been turned off.
• Never allow a battery to go completely dead (inoperative). It can take 3 days of continuous charging to bring back to full capacity. It also damages the battery and can have negative effects on the electronics of the forklift, including motor failure, burned armatures and brushes and seared or stuck contacts, which all place the forklift in a hazardous condition
• Never continue to use an overheating battery. If a battery ever radiates excessive heat during use or charging or emits a strong sulfur smell, discontinue use and call for service

We hope you have grasped the basics and benefits of forklift battery maintenance and can now put some simple measures in place. If you have any questions or comments about forklift batteries please leave them below.

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