Hilariously Heavy: The Truth About Forklift Batteries
Let me tell you how I got into the world of electric forklifts - it all started with the White ME series. The “what” you ask, these awesome machines were cranked out by White up in Hopkins, Minnesota back in the late 70s and 80s. They had this whole lineup of models - the ME30, ME40, ME50, and ME55B. I was totally green back then, and while I figured out how to spot different battery voltages pretty quick, that was pretty much the extent of my know-how!
Did you know forklift batteries come in all sorts of sizes & power levels? Yes, they've got everything from 24V all the way up to 80V - the bigger the forklift, the more juice it needs!
So, here's the deal with battery sizes - the tiny ones are perfect for those little pallet jacks you see scooting around, while the beefier ones power those big sit-down forklifts. Sure, there are standard sizes set by some fancy group called the Battery Council International, but if you need something special, no worries - custom batteries can be made.
Here's something wild - lots of folks don't realize you can't just charge these bad boys any old way. Even if your battery seems fine, treating it wrong when charging can really mess it up!
And get this - temperature is a bigger deal than you'd think. Too cold? Your battery gets lazy. Too hot? It'll wear out super-fast. Even tiny temperature changes can cause headaches if you're not watching out.
Oh, & don't get me started on water levels in these batteries! They're pretty thirsty & need regular top-ups with distilled water. Skip this & you'll kill your battery for good. But don't go crazy with the water either - too much & you'll end up with a corroded, sparky mess.
Maintaining a clean battery is important not only for aesthetics. Allow that corrosion to accumulate, & your battery will face difficulties as if it's competing in a marathon. Proper maintenance isn't only about ensuring its longevity—it's also about guaranteeing it supports you when necessary!
When caring for your battery, pay attention to these factors: power level, viscosity of the liquid inside, temperature, usage & charging frequency, its power retention, water levels, & charge status. Don't stress if this seems overwhelming - you can acquire all this knowledge from guides, digital displays, training programs, or simply talking with battery experts.
If you’re concerned about your understanding of the care and feeding of industrial batteries, please reach out to us. We would enjoy the chance to meet with you and/or your maintenance folks to go through the particulars. You do know a guy in the business.
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For more information, insights, or conversations regarding your forklift or material handling needs. You can visit our online contact form, call us at 763-425-9066, or email [email protected].
We would welcome the opportunity to address your material handling questions or concerns. Toyota Lift of Minnesota works extremely hard to be your partner and material handling consultant. Remember this: "you have a guy" in the forklift and material handling businesses.
Are you located outside of Minnesota or Wisconsin? Find your local authorized Toyota Forklift Dealer through their dealer locator.
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Kyle Thill - Hilariously Heavy: The Truth About Forklift Batteries