Top 10 considerations when choosing a forklift battery charger

Top 10 considerations when choosing a forklift battery charger

Select forklift battery charger

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Choosing the best forklift battery charger is critical to maintaining battery health. Equally important, the forklift battery must have enough power at the beginning of each work shift and throughout the process to meet the company's production schedule.

purchase

Purchase forklift batteries from the same supplier as the charger. The root cause of the problem during battery failure is not always clear. Both the battery and the charger are purchased from the same supplier to ensure their technical support.

cost

Determine the total cost of the charger. Most forklift battery chargers sold do not have a cable that connects the charger to the power source. The cost of these cables and the cost of connecting the charger by an electrician should be considered.

electricity supply

Check the power supply. It should have the ability to handle normal operating amperage and start amperage. When the forklift battery charger is initially activated during the charging cycle, it consumes a lot of current. If there is insufficient electrical service, it may affect other electrical products in your facility.

Output cable

Pay attention to the output cable. The output cable that connects the charger to the truck is usually supplied with the truck battery charger. However, during battery charging, they may not be sufficient to fit the position of the charger (relative to the position of the forklift). It is important to place the charger and its output cable on the ground to prevent damage to the truck.

Forklift charger adjustment

Match the charger to the forklift battery to prevent irreversible damage to the battery. When replacing the forklift battery for the current forklift, make sure the battery technician has adjusted the charger to match the characteristics of the replacement battery. Skipping this step may shorten battery life and/or limit the amount of charge that may be drawn due to chronic undercharge or overcharging.

The output voltage

Match the output voltage of the charger to the voltage of the battery and the electrical system of the truck. This will avoid battery damage.

compatibility

Make sure the charger is compatible. It should match the connector on the battery and its forklift.

Automatic start/stop

Purchase an automatic start/auto stop charger. It is designed to stop the charging process after the battery is fully charged.

Battery temperature

Look for a charger that monitors the battery temperature and adjusts the charge rate when the temperature is outside the normal operating range. High battery temperatures will directly affect the life of the forklift battery.

Equalization

Choose a forklift battery charger with balanced battery capability. A balance is needed to prevent the battery from accumulating excessive lead sulfate on the plate, which is known to result in a decrease in battery capacity and overall life.

Have more questions about batteries and chargers? Please contact Rhyl to consult a device specialist or learn about our capabilities in batteries, chargers, accessories and maintenance.