Most lift trucks in North America are equipped with batteries ranging for 12 volts to 48 volts. On the market today there are likewise forklifts that utilize 72/80 volt batteries. Electric forklifts now make use of industrial traction batteries.

Forklift batteries are sold in terms of voltage, connector location, amp-hour capacity, and physical size. The lift truck nameplate will state the exact truck voltage, the highest amp-hour capacity and the minimum battery weight. The forklift Operating Manual will also include the right battery information intended for the forklift.

There are 2 main kinds of electric forklift batteries: Flooded or Sealed. A sealed battery is likewise called "maintenance free" or VRLA and does not need the adding of water. Sealed batteries however utilize a chemical reaction to be able to maintain correct fluid level throughout the life of the battery. A flooded battery needs water to be added regularly to be able to guarantee the correct electrolyte level in the battery.

Most lift truck could accommodate various battery sizes. The battery should be chosen so as to fit inside the measurements of the battery compartment. Most battery providers can supply a battery list of appropriate sizes that are recommended for your particular lift truck.

With an electric lift truck, the battery is utilized as the truck counterweight and the lift truck capacity is dependent on the battery being a particular least weight. Adhere to the details specified on the lift truck nameplate in order to ensure you are using a battery which meets minimum weight specified.

Battery chargers need to be exactly matched to the specific battery being charged. It is necessary to ensure the charger has enough amp-hour capacity in order to charge the battery and that it is the same voltage as the battery. The charger amp-hour capacity has to be with 10 percent of the amp-hour capacity of the battery so as to guarantee the most efficient charging. Previous to starting the charging cycle, be sure the battery is first connected to the charger. Always verify the battery information like for instance the voltage, amp-hour capacity and battery weight with the information supplied on the battery nameplate.

Always make sure whenever charging a battery that the right kind of charger is being utilized. The majority of newer charging equipments could be utilized in order to safely charge all kinds of batteries and will be labeled to acknowledge all batteries. Utilizing an older charger, for example to be able to charge just flooded batteries can be unsafe if used for sealed batteries and damage to both charger and battery would happen. It is a good habit to firstly check the instruction plate on the charger to be sure it could accept the type of battery you would like to charge.

Whenever handling flooded batteries, it is important to just add the necessary water after the battery has been charged. This habit would stop the spattering of electrolyte out of the battery while it is being charged.

Information utilized for enhancing the battery's life include: maintain the fluid levels for flooded batteries and keep all types of batteries spotless. Another rule to follow is once charging the battery to full capacity; allow it to rest for more or less an 8 hour period prior to using. Make use of an "equalizing" charge every 5th charge so as to keep all of the cells maintained at the same voltage. Do not discharge the battery below 80% of battery amp-hour capacity before recharging.

Electric forklifts can be outfitted along with various gadgets which monitor battery levels. There are sophisticated "Battery Discharge Indicators" that would disable the lifting circuit and sound an alarm to be able to notify once the battery has been discharged to a present level. There are other simple gas gauge meters available as well. Utilizing these monitoring gadgets will help prevent truck and battery damage from severely discharging the battery during use.