Forklift Batteries Key Terms

Get a charge out of forklift batteries key terms

By Brenda Lee, Writer/Editor Beeline Editing Services

Whether you're in the market for forklift batteries or simply need to know more about them, gain a working knowledge of some forklift batteries key terms to get you started. Because of the nature of the work they're required to handle, forklift batteries are both large and powerful. They can weigh as much as 3,000 pounds and -- despite their rugged industrial appearance -- must be handled with extreme care to avoid injury to the battery and the handler.

Lead acid

Lead acid batteries are the most common type of forklift battery. They are very powerful but also can be very dangerous. They must be well maintained and handled with care.
Try: A nicely researched article at University of Wisconsin System details the basics of lead acid batteries, including important service and safety procedures.

Electrolyte levels

A forklift battery's electrolytes must be maintained at the right levels in order to ensure peak performance from the battery. Depending on the type of battery, water levels need to be checked at regular intervals to keep forklift batteries functioning properly.
Try: GB Industrial Battery does a great job of explaining the role electrolytes play in forklift batteries and the importance of maintaining proper battery water levels.

Charging station

Forklift batteries carry inherent safety hazards due to their combination of chemicals, gases and enormous weight, making them difficult to maneuver safely into a charging station. Workers should take great care when placing forklift batteries into charging stations.
Try: The Best Practices section at BBI Battery is a great resource for learning about charging station safety, protective equipment and charging guidelines related to forklift batteries.

Watering system

The watering system is a very important component in the forklift battery charging process. Because the battery uses water to remix the acid and prevent damage to the battery, water needs to be added to the battery at the end of every charge. This can be done either manually or automatically.
Try: Raymond Handling Solutions explains and shows an example of a manual battery watering system. To learn about and see examples of automatic battery watering systems, head over to Forklift Battery Online.

Opportunity charging

Charging a forklift battery at any given "down" time -- whether during a 15-minute break or during a two-hour meeting -- is called opportunity charging. Although it might seem like the right thing to do to keep your battery as fully charged as possible throughout the day, it's actually detrimental and doesn't do anything positive for the battery.
Try: Read the quick and informative article on the detrimental effects of opportunity charging at Southern California Battery.

Refurbished or rebuilt batteries

Refurbished forklift batteries are sometimes referred to as overhauled or rebuilt batteries. They are an economical alternative to new batteries, and generally yield performance similar to new forklift batteries.
Try: Take a look at the step-by-step process used to refurbish, or overhaul, a forklift battery at Source Battery Technology.