Changing Your Forklift Battery
If you have a warehouse and use equipment to move around pallets and produced goods, then there is a good chance that you have a forklift. Forklifts run on industrial batteries that need to be changed about once every several years. Purchasing a new one at least every five years is a good rule of thumb. When you are ready to change it, there are a few things you will need to do. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Remove The Battery
It may seem simple to just remove a battery and replace it. However, this is not the case when it comes to certain types of machinery. While something like a car battery can easily be removed and picked up by hand, this is not the case for industrial batteries. Forklift batteries weight at least a few hundred pounds and will sometimes weigh several thousand pounds.
You will need a special device called a forklift battery remover for this. These devices can be rented. The remover uses a crane type of device or a heavy-duty lift to pull the battery up and away from the forklift. Afterward, the remover can be maneuvered away from the forklift so the battery can be recycled.
Before you attempt the removal of the battery, you should check to ensure that there are no leaks present. Since the batteries are lead-acid types, they will contain a good deal of sulphuric acid. Even if no leaks are visible, you should still wear protective clothing that is chemical resistant. Goggles, gloves, and steel-toed boots are recommended as well.
Get A New One
Once you have successfully removed the old forklift battery, you will need to purchase a new one. It is extremely important that you purchase a battery that is the exact same weight as the one you removed. If the battery is lighter, then the forklift base will not have enough weight to support the lift and the objects being carried on it; this can cause an issue where the forklift tips over.
The weight will be listed on the battery itself along with the compartment size. The compartment size and the weight of the battery can differ greatly. Some larger batteries will weigh less, so make sure that you are matching the specs exactly.
You also need to consider the voltage of the battery. A cover for the battery may be sold separately, so look to see if you need this as well. Sometimes a new charger may be necessary, too, depending on whether or not you upgrade to a more energy-efficient battery.
If you want to know more about the types of batteries that are required for forklifts, speak with an industrial battery provider. Companies like Ampro, Inc can offer more information.
