HEAVY EQUIPMENT CHARGING HOW-TOS
When it comes to ensuring the longevity and optimal operation of the heavy-duty batteries in your fleet, tips for heavy equipment charging best practices are essential. Before you charge an electric forklift battery or any construction equipment battery that differs from a standard lead acid battery, you must know the proper handling procedures and care guidelines. If you have any questions about charging your forklift or scissor lift's battery, please don't hesitate to contact our heavy equipment dealer.
Forklift Charging Station
Before charging any forklift battery, knowing some heavy equipment charging best practices is important. While it may seem like the best idea to charge the battery when it's low or you're done working for the day, charging a forklift battery at the wrong time can diminish longevity and performance.
Review your fleet's forklift charging station requirements before charging a forklift battery. Optimal charging practices typically say to only charge the battery when it is below 30% capacity instead of routinely charging it at certain times or overnight.
Waiting until a forklift's battery is below 30% before charging will help optimize the battery's life span and avoid overcharging or undercharging the battery, which can diminish performance as time goes on.
A dedicated charging area is also recommended for your job site's heavy equipment charging protocols. By establishing a dedicated charging area, you can ensure the battery chargers have the correct output voltage for the batteries in your fleet. In other words, the battery will match the charger.
You can also post important safety warnings and procedures in this area. For instance, always turn off the charger before connecting or disconnecting the battery.
Other heavy equipment charging tips for forklift batteries include:
- Inspect all charger cables and connectors
- Replace damaged or cracked charging cables and connectors
- Never overcharge the battery
- Store batteries at the proper temperature (typically less than 113 degrees Fahrenheit)
A question we're often asked at our heavy equipment dealer is, "What is the charging time for a forklift?" An eight-hour charge is typically enough time to equalize the battery, distribute the acid, and bring a battery below 30% to a full charge. However, it's best not to schedule these hours overnight unless someone is present to disconnect the charger at the eight-hour mark.
Skyjack Scissor Lift Charging
If you have a scissor lift that isn't charging or holding a charge, you may be asking, "How long do scissor lift batteries last?" The first thing to do is verify that you aren't trying to charge the scissor lift by connecting to the plug that charges the accessories instead of connecting to the plug that charges the unit.
There are two plugs on your scissor lift: the auxiliary and the charging. The auxiliary plug is typically a gray "female" plug found at the back of the unit. Here is where you would plug in an extension cord to safely power the plugs in the basket. The charging plug is often a black "male" plug located on the unit's side.
If you are having issues with charging your Skyjack scissor lift or any equipment from our heavy equipment rental department, a quick tip is to confirm a solid connection at the correct outlet.
For any heavy equipment charging questions or troubleshooting tips, please contact our construction equipment supply company. We can answer any charging questions you have.
At MAK Industries, we are proud to offer a wide selection of heavy equipment for sale and forklifts for rent. Let us know about your next job site, and we'll help you choose the right forklift or scissor lift for your needs.