Care For Batteries Better Than Ever!

Batteries, batteries, batteries, what else can I say? They’re a wonderful invention but can cause a lot of harm and distress if dealt with incorrectly. Know that you’re dealing with your industrial batteries the correct way! Our blog can help!

How Much Do You Know?

1.     What kind of water is needed to charge your forklift’s battery?

a.     Distilled water

b.     Clean water with a low level of minerals

c.     Well water

2.     Battery cells should be watered before the battery is charged.

a.     True

b.     False

3.     It is important to make sure that your forklift battery and charger are…     

a.     The same brand

b.     Equipped to handle the same voltage

c.     The same size

4.     Battery acid is only found in a liquid form.

a.     True

b.     False

Get This…

Did you know that proper charging of your battery can expand its lifespan? Overcharging your forklifts battery is similar to overcharging your cell phone. In fact, overcharging of industrial batteries is one of the main factors in a shortened lifespan. Although it may seem like a good idea to charge your forklift’s battery every evening, or when it is convenient, this is not the case. You never want to charge your forklift’s battery if it still has above 30% of its charge. In addition, you should never interrupt the charging cycle of your forklift; allow the battery to charge for a full eight hours. This will help to distribute the battery acid properly.   

Disclaimer!!!! It is incredibly important to make sure that the charging wires and hookups for your forklift are not only compatible, but in good condition. Frayed wires and connectors can create sparks and cause a lot of damage!

 Can You Answer This Question???

Do you have to add water to your forklift battery?

A.    What?

B.    Yes

C.    No

Unless you are using a maintenance-free battery, which requires little to no maintenance, you will have to occasionally add water to your forklift battery. Why even add water, you may ask? Charging your battery causes it to heat up and this causes water to evaporate from the battery. Adding water about every five charges is necessary to keep the battery’s fluid levels in check and working properly. To check the battery’s fluid levels, open the battery and check a couple of the cells. You want the battery’s water level to be just high enough to cover the plastic battery element. While maintaining fluid levels is important make sure not to over saturate your battery. However, the most important element to adding water to your battery is the water itself. It is imperative that distilled or filtered water is added to your battery. Using water that contains a lot of particles can cause your battery irreparable damage.

  

Get The Facts!

Out of all the things in life, who would’ve thought that batteries are temperature sensitive, especially when they are used in such extreme conditions. But they are! Using electric forklifts in various climates is a must, but when storing batteries, it is imperative to make sure that they are stored in a location that does not exceed 113 degrees F. Keeping your battery in a safe cool environment will once again help to prolong its life! 

…So Call

Omega sells and services a wide range of electric forklifts and material handling equipment. If you need any addition information or help do not hesitate to contact us at (513) 842-2012, or omega.rockett@yahoo.com

Multiple Choice Answer: 1/B (used to be A, now things have changed), 2-5/B