



Preview text:
IMPACT HANDLING’S TOP 10 TIPS: LEAD-ACID BATTERY MAINTENANCE
A good fork lift truck battery
maintenance regime will maximise
productivity, enhance site safety and
help minimise fleet costs.
So, here is our top ten list of the everyday things
fleet managers and operators can do to get the most
out of lead-acid battery powered equipment. 1 2 3 MONITOR
TOP-UP AFTER A CHARGE ENSURE BATTERY AND LEVELS AND NOT BEFORE CHARGER COMPATIBILITY
Maintaining the correct battery fluid levels is an As the water in batteries is critical to the
There is an important difference between
essential part of extracting the full performance transfer of energy, the introduction of fresh
a charger that simply works and one that is
potential from any battery. Levels should
water must occur at the correct time during
specifically designed to correctly charge a
neither be too low nor too high – top up the
its charging cycle, which is after the battery
given type and make of battery. Check with
cells so that the plates and separators are just
has completed its charge and never before.
battery suppliers to confirm that the correct
covered by electrolyte. Battery manufacturers
Electrolyte expands when it gets warm so
charging equipment is being used.
recommend that levels are regularly checked.
topping up before a charge can result in
Using incorrect chargers can be extremely
Doing so will also help prevent premature spillage of electrolyte.
dangerous, can damage batteries and may
damage or failure. Always make sure that
also compromise insurance cover. Always
only distilled, de-ionised water is used when
follow the charging procedure shown in your
topping-up any lead acid battery. charger’s manual. 4 5 6 ALLOW BATTERIES LET BATTERIES KEEP AN EYE TO FULLY CHARGE COOL ON THE BDI
Batteries will always perform best after a full
A typical lead acid battery needs to be left for a Equipment operators should continually
charge. Avoid the temptation to partially charge good two hours to cool after every charge. Build monitor the status shown on Battery Discharge
them, or to interrupt a charging cycle. Doing
this time into your charging schedule and make
Indicators. Batteries should ideally be
so could damage the battery permanently,
it a mandated part of your health and safety
recharged when their indicator shows around
reducing its capacity as well as potentially best practice.
25% charge remaining. Doing so will keep them shortening its life.
in optimum condition and allow the battery
to deliver its maximum capacity for longer.
Newer machines are also programmed to cut
out the hydraulic function when 80% discharge
is reached, preventing lift, however drive functions remain unaffected. 7 8 CHECK CABLES, USE BATTERIES NEED MORE PLUGS AND CHARGERS EVENLY ADVICE?
Battery leads can be prone to damage or
When operating more than one battery, such
For more information on how
corrosion, as can plugs and chargers.
as in multiple shift environments, make sure
to keep your batteries working
Check all equipment and connections and
that they are all used and charged evenly. This
at peak performance, feel free
report any frayed wires or worn insulation.
will avoid the risk of any one battery being
to call our material handling
A weekly visual inspection will help identify
over-cycled, which could result in a decrease specialists on:
any issues before they can affect the operation
in performance and shortening of its useful of the machinery.
life. Implementing Battery Monitoring System
technology will keep operators informed of 0800 169 9789
batteries’ status and ensure even use. 9 10 KEEP LIDS THINK CLEAN SAFETY!
The lids of battery cells should always be
Whenever working with batteries always
kept clean and free from debris. Doing so
wear suitable protective clothing and use
will prevent potential earth leakage and any
appropriate safety equipment. Ensure spill kits
subsequent reduction in capacity.
and an eye wash station is located within your
charing area. Remember to also provide good
ventilation to all batteries and chargers when
charging and keep battery compartment lids
open if charging the battery in situ. And don’t
forget to safely store the charge cables when
not in use, this will avoid unnecessary damage
as well as removing any potential trip hazards.
NO COMPROMISE FLEXIBILITY SHORT TERM NEW / USED SERVICE GENUINE ATTACHMENTS TRAINING RENTAL TRUCKS PARTS & ANCILLARIES ® Nationwide Coverage Hull/ Hull Docks Nottingham Corby Birmingham Bristol Unit 8, Priory Tec Park Gainsborough Bus. Pk. 4 Brunel Road 93 Cato Street 35 Lysander Road Saxon Way, Hessle Fields Farm Road, Long Eaton Earltrees Birmingham Bowerhill Ind. Est. Hull, HU13 9PB. Nottingham, NG10 1PX. Corby, NN17 4JW. B7 4TS. Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6SP. Tel: 01482 329824 Tel: 01159 460777 Tel 01536 463900 Tel: 0121 3592623 Tel: 01225 707076 Doncaster Boston Ipswich Manchester Leeds Scotland 1 Derbyshire Court 7-10 Redstone Ind. Est. Claydon Business Park Unit 2, Europa Triangle Howley Park Road East 13 Brocks Way West Moor Park Redstone Road Gipping Road John Gilbert Way Morley Broxburn Doncaster Boston, Lincolnshire Great Blakenham Trafford Park Leeds, West Yorkshire EH52 5NB DN3 3FD. PE21 8EA. Ipswich, IP6 0NL. Manchester, M17 1FP. LS27 0SW. Scotland Tel: 01302 834924 Tel: 01205 351722 Tel: 01473 833300 Tel: 0161 8773154 Tel: 01924 278 609 Tel: 01506 859 599 www.impact-handling.com
© 2019, MCFE. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.