Don’t Leave Your Lead-acid Forklift Batteries Out in the Cold… or Wet & Hot Conditions
During the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown, many companies found that they had to cease forklift use and thus had to store their forklift batteries until logistics operations resumed. Also, many companies that work on a seasonal basis have long stretches of time within which their forklifts are idle. If your company experiences long periods of forklift downtime, this blog provides guidelines on storing your forklift batteries to ensure that you continue to get the longest life out of them.
8 Tips to Long-Term Storage Success
- Create a Dedicated Storage Area–If possible, have a separate area or room of your facility with the proper environmental conditions–clean, dry, cool, dust-free, well-ventilated–to ensure optimal lead-acid battery storage.
- Remove Batteries from Forklifts – Batteries are ideally stored while removed from the forklift. If that can’t be done, disconnect all leads from the forklift to the battery. A battery hooked up to a forklift will experience ‘parasitic’ discharge even if not in use. When you try to use it again, the battery may be completely discharged. Store the forklift in the same ambient conditions recommended for storing batteries.
- Not Too Hot – Lead-acid batteries slowly discharge over a period of time when not in use. Elevated temperatures increase the rate of discharge. Generally, storing forklift batteries below 80⁰ F (27⁰ C), preferably in cool, dry conditions, at about 60⁰ F (15⁰ C) is best.
- Not Too Cold – Freezing a battery does not extend its life. While colder temperatures will slow the discharge rate of a lead-acid battery, there’s a danger of freezing the electrolyte and damaging the battery. Thawing a frozen battery risks creating condensation that can cause oxidation damage.
- Just Right – Your battery storage room should be maintained at around 50% relative humidity. Dampness can cause corrosion, while super-dry conditions can cause electrolyte evaporation. Batteries should be covered to prevent moisture, debris, and dust from accumulating.
- Prepare Batteries for Storage – Batteries should ideally be removed from the forklift, thoroughly cleaned and dried, topped up, and charged up to at least 80% before being placed into storage. Charging helps to prevent sulfation, which can impede battery performance and lifespan.
- Charge Stored Batteries Regularly – For batteries that will be stored for a long time, periodic charging is advisable. Lead-acid batteries should be checked and recharged every few weeks.
- Dry Lead-acid Batteries – Generally, new lead-acid batteries arrive charged and dry with the electrolyte in a separate container. They can be stored unattended for up to two years in a cool, dry space with tightly secured vent caps. Like wet batteries, dry lead-acid batteries should be kept below 80⁰ F (27⁰ C).
Plug-In to the Best, Full-Service Forklift Resource
Under the proper conditions, lead-acid batteries that have been stored should provide a full useful life similar to that of batteries in continuous use. Contact your Apex Material Handling rep to learn about the proper use, charging, maintenance, and storage of lead-acid batteries.
If your forklift usage is seasonal, a wise decision is to to rent a forklift fromApex rather than letting a capital asset sit around unused. Contact Apex to explore cost-effective rental options.
Apex is your full-service material handling and storage resource in the Chicagoland area.
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