Forklift battery chargers

Forklift battery chargers are essential for properly maintaining your electric powered material handling equipment.  Electric pallet jacks and forklifts require proper battery maintenance in order to ensure safe operation conditions.  Be extremely cautious when you are working around forklift batteries, as the internal energy can be lethal. 

In order to extend the life of your forklift batteries, you should consider adding an automatic battery watering system.  This allows you to achieve a maximum life cycle of approximately 7 years from a single set of forklift batteries.  Low water levels is one of the most common reasons for forklift battery failure.  You should also rinse your batteries once a year to minimize corrosion on your battery posts. 

Rapid chargers can recharge your forklift batteries in about five hours.  Premium models will usually include electronic circuitry which will cut off the charging level before your batteries reach the gassing point.  Be sure when you are looking for battery chargers to purchase models with safety devices such as having the ability to not power on in case of accidental reversed polarity.  Other safety features may include automatic shutdown of the batteries are not charged to 80% within a set number of hours, or if the battery cable is accidentally disconnected during the recharge cycle. 

Onboard forklift battery charges are the most convenient type as they can fit right into the battery tray of your forklift/pallet jack.  Popular forklift trucks are made by Toyota, Mitsubishi, Crown, and Yale.  If you manage a fleet of forklifts you can also purchase a multi battery charger.  These units have an extremely small foot print and will allow you to charge multiple forklift batteries simultaneously.  Industrial battery chargers are much more durable compared to home charging units. 

In order to extend the life of your forklift batteries you should only charge them when they are close to fully depleted.  Keep in mind that every single time you reverse the voltage, it is considered a single charge cycle.  Batteries have a maximum number of charging cycles before they no longer function properly in your electric forklift. 

You can also purchase a used or refurbished forklift battery charger if you wish to save money.  These units are usually very reliable and seldom face failure unless they have been abused.  Be careful when you use chargers which are not meant for forklifts, as not only can you shorten your battery life but you can risk explosion as well.  Following good battery care with proper charging techniques will extend the life of your forklift batteries.