Old or prematurely aged lead-acid batteries may negatively affect your KPIs and profitability. Thankfully, there are a few warning signs to look out for so you can replace your forklift battery before it impacts your operations.
Common Warning Signs for a Forklift Battery Replacement
Some signs that you may need a forklift battery replacement include:
1. Slower Lift and Travel Speeds
Power output from motive lead-acid batteries is not constant over a shift ― it starts off higher and then drops as the battery discharges. If your battery is old or poorly maintained, it will start at a lower power output and drop faster over the discharge cycle.
2. Slow Charge
Batteries nearing the end of their life span tend to take longer to charge. Slow charging indicates an internal problem in the battery, which may require a replacement to rectify.
3. Fast Power Drain
Are you charging your forklift battery more often than usual? Fast power drainage is a sign that your battery can’t hold a charge for long enough. Batteries fail to hold a charge when their internal chemicals don’t react as they should.
4. Sulfurous Smell
A battery that smells like rotten eggs is more than simply unpleasant to work around. Hydrogen sulfide is poisonous and flammable and can indicate a battery is overcharged or that it is no longer accepting a charge.
5. Battery Is Hot During Use
All lead acid batteries sulfate during charging ― the trick is to keep proper charging regimens to avoid “soft” sulfation from turning into “hard” sulfation. “Hard” sulfation restricts power transfer efficiency, making the battery heat up during use and charge. “Hard” sulfation also reduces the useable amp-hour capacity of the battery.
6. Post Pushing Through Battery Top
Overcharging can cause the positive plates in a battery to swell. Since motive battery cells are stored in a steel tray, the only direction in which the cell can expand is upward. This will cause the positive post to look like it is being pushed through the top of the battery.
7. Insufficient Power
If your forklift doesn’t start when you crank the motor, the problem may be battery-related since your forklift’s starter depends on the battery for power. You may also notice dimming or flickering lights on your forklift, indicating your battery can’t supply enough power to the electrical systems.
8. Visible Corrosion
Corrosion forms when acid from overwatering or battery cell gassing collects on top of a battery. It oftentimes looks like cauliflower, and over time, it can short-circuit your battery or eat through the battery posts or connectors, shortening its life.
Why Choose Medley for Forklift Battery Replacements?
At Medley Equipment Company, we take pride in offering superior service. Our experts are knowledgeable about all aspects of forklifts and other material-handling equipment. They will help you determine whether you need a new forklift battery and assist you in finding the right one for your forklift. You can also count on them for exceptional post-sale support.
In addition to our skilled team, we provide our customers with genuine parts from top brands, such as Hyster, Yale and Genie Lifts, ensuring their forklifts operate efficiently. Best of all, in addition to Oklahoma, we serve Albuquerque, New Mexico, El Paso, Texas, and the surrounding areas.
Reach Out to Medley for Quality Forklift Batteries
Would you like to get in touch with one of our professionals for an expert opinion on your battery’s condition? You can contact us at (405) 946-3453 or fill out an online form, and one of our solution consultants will assist you.
