How to refill the battery fluid?

How to refill the battery fluid? 

Points for Forklift Managers to Know

A forklift truck that can turn around tightly and easily move heavy loads.
There are many companies that are indispensable for work.
The forklift is battery powered, but it is important to replenish the battery fluid in the correct way in order to keep it for a long time.
Therefore, this time I will introduce the correct way to replenish the battery fluid of the forklift.
In addition, I will also introduce how to make the battery last longer, so please refer to it.
It's a must-see for anyone who is entrusted with managing forklifts at their company or who wants to know how to make their forklift batteries last longer.

Table of Contents

1. What is the correct method of replenishing battery fluid?
2. How can I make my battery last longer?
3. What if the battery reaches its end of life?

1. How to refill forklift battery fluid?

In this section, we'll show you how to properly replenish the battery fluid.
The battery of a forklift is used while being charged, but if the battery fluid is not properly replenished, the battery life will be shortened or the battery itself will be damaged.

1-1. What is battery fluid?

Battery fluid is purified water.
This battery fluid will evaporate as you continue to use the forklift, so you need to replenish it regularly.
Especially in summer, the temperature is high, so it is easy to evaporate, so be careful.
If the battery is charged without replenishing it, the battery life may be shortened or, in the worst case, the battery may be broken.

1-2. How often is the battery fluid replenished?

Depending on the forklift, the lamp may blink when the battery fluid is low, or a warning such as "please replenish the battery fluid" may appear. However, even if it does not come out, the amount of battery fluid may be low, so check the position of the float with the fluid plug closed.
If you can see the float with the liquid plug closed, you have enough battery fluid. If you can't see this float, you're running out of battery fluid, so let's replenish it even if the refill lamp isn't on.
Approximately once every 1-2 weeks.

1-3. What is the correct way to add battery fluid?

When replenishing the battery fluid, place the container of purified water at a position higher than the battery and insert the hose deeply from the water supply port, and the purified water will go inside naturally by the siphon principle.
At this time, do not add purified water in excess of the capacity.
It may cause electric leakage.
After confirming that the float has floated, close the stopper tightly.
At this time, if the stopper is not closed properly, the purified water will leak easily while driving the forklift, which also causes electric leakage.
Also, be sure to wipe off any spilled purified water.
This completes the exchange of purified water.

2. How can we make our battery to longer battery life?

So, is there any way to make the battery last longer than the proper replenishment of purified water?
This section will show you how to make your forklift battery last longer.

2-1. How long is the battery life?

Forklift battery life is measured by the number of times it is charged, not the number of years.
According to the JIS standard, it will last about 1200-1500 times when it is charged.
If you charge it once a day, it will take about 5 to 6 years to reach the end of its life.
However, if the battery is charged improperly, it may have a much shorter life than expected.

2-2. The battery will only charge about 30%

I think many people are worried about when to charge the battery.
Some people will always charge the battery after work even if it has not decreased so much. The forklift battery doesn't need to be charged every day, but it's not good to charge it too low.
As a guide, it is said that it is desirable to charge the battery when the remaining battery level reaches 30%.
If you are charging like a habit every day, try using it until the remaining charge reaches 30%.

2-3. Do not charge immediately after use

The temperature of the battery electrolyte is over 50 degrees and the battery is overcharged.
Charging immediately after using the forklift may cause overcharging, so be sure to allow some time before charging the electrolyte below 40 degrees.

2-4. Keep the surface of the battery clean

If the surface of the battery is dirty, self-discharge is performed through it.
Therefore, clean the surface of the battery with a rag to keep it clean.
If electrolyte other than dust gets stuck, it may cause self-discharge.

2-5. Do not use self-style

When you buy a forklift, you should always get instructions on how to use the battery.
In addition, even if you rent it, the salesclerk at the dealer will explain how to use it.
The battery will not deteriorate rapidly if used properly.
However, be aware that using a self-propelled charging method or replenishing battery fluid will shorten the life of the product.

3. What if the battery reaches its end of life?

No matter how carefully you use it, your forklift battery will eventually reach its end of life.
If you continue to use the deteriorated battery forcibly, the forklift itself may be damaged, and the battery may leak current, resulting in an accident.

• I've charged it, but it's getting worse
• The battery body started to generate heat
• Battery liquid helicopter became abnormally fast

In that case, it is a sign of life.
Replace the battery as soon as possible.
There are three ways to replace the battery: 

buy a new one, rent a new one, or use a recycled battery.
Forklift batteries are expensive.
If you want to replace the battery as cheaply as possible, use a rechargeable battery.
This is a battery that is made up of old batteries that can be reused.
But you can use it as many times as you would a new one, and the cost is a fraction.
If you have a lot of forklifts and can't afford your battery that much, consider buying a rechargeable battery.

Conclusion

What did you think. This time, we introduced how to properly replenish the battery fluid and how to make the battery last longer.

Summary

Battery will be damaged if charging with low battery fluid

Visually replenish the battery solution once every 1-2 weeks

Do not overfill the battery solution

Use the battery correctly

Forklifts are convenient, and as long as you drive on a company's private land, you do not need a regular car license if you take the course.
Companies that are bigger and heavier will find it useful.
However, years of use of a forklift tend to use simpler and more convenient methods than correct usage.
You may also force yourself to say, "This will be all right."
But that may reduce the battery life of the forklift.
Water and charge your forklift battery in the right way to reduce costs.