Forklift Battery - Not Your Normal Auto Battery

Today's electric forklift trucks are powered by using heavy lead acid batteries which are similar to those found in your car. However the only real difference between a forklift battery and that found in your car is that these are much larger and also much more powerful.

Normally these batteries provide the vehicle with enough power to last for around an 8 hour shift. Which when equated into real time means that they should be able to work for around 5 to 6 hours constantly.

Some of the main benefits a company can gain from using an electric forklift truck compared to one with a petrol or diesel engine are as follows:-

  • They produce zero emissions so they are good for the environment.
  • They cost a lot less to operate.
  • They have high performance levels.
  • They require very minimal amounts of maintenance so this reduces a company's servicing budget.

However the above will only occur when they are operated at their full potential and so it is important that the batteries within the vehicle are kept charged and are handled correctly.

What is important to remember however that not only do the lead acid batteries in the vehicle provide the power they also serve another purpose as well. It is these batteries which stabilize the vehicle as they act as counterweights.

Today you can purchase forklift batteries in a variety of different sizes from various manufacturers. However it is important that those working around these vehicles should be aware of certain safety issues relating to the batteries contained within them. It is therefore extremely important that those who work with the vehicles not just the mechanics but the operators also are aware of these issues.

Therefore when it comes to actually handling of any type of forklift battery a company should only those who are well trained and charged with carrying out this particular work especially when it comes to changing them. It is important that when handling the batteries the employee should be made to wear protective clothing including acid resistant gloves, boots, arm gauntlets along with an apron plus a face shield (plastic) at all times.

As all lead acid batteries no matter their size can easily produce an electrical shock which could be potentially dangerous if they are not handled correctly. So a company should ensure that at no time when employees are working with or close to these batteries do they wear any type of metal jewelry which may actually come into contact with the forklift battery terminal. Plus ensure that the people working with the forklift trucks have been provided with the right kind of safety training relating to all aspects of these vehicles and especially in relation to the batteries. By doing this a company is ensuring that not only those working with the vehicles but those around them will be safe whilst the vehicles are being used.

Forklift Tires