There are several types of forklifts based on their usage. Understanding the operations of your warehouse is important, as well as meeting the customers’ expectations. An international forklift professional will ensure that your forklifts get the proper maintenance. With that said, it’s vital to also consult with your local provider, who can assist in evaluating the machines. In indoor operations, it’s advisable to use electric forklifts, which are less noisy. Small companies mainly prefer the indoor forklift for sale option. It’s an ideal solution on a long and short-term basis as it cuts on costs.
If one is interested in how to learn forklift operations, several technical institutions teach on that. Forklift contractors must be trained, qualified, authorized, and familiarized. The contractors require site-specific training. Most of the employees in the warehouse should have forklift operation knowledge. Choosing the right forklift for your warehouse is essential to the efficiency of your warehouse.
Lift material handling should be cost-effective. One will need to consider the size, height, and capacity. Moreover, the use of the forklift in the outdoor or indoor environment is also a factor. The terrain and surface texture are another consideration when choosing a forklift. The management must ensure the forklifts are serviced and maintained, and the employees are well-trained.
Forklift batteries are perhaps the biggest investment that any warehouse has to make. These batteries make up an incredible 30% of the total cost of owning and operating a forklift — and that percentage can get even higher if the right forklift battery management and maintenance steps aren’t taken.
With the right maintenance, your forklift’s batteries should last for about 6,000 hours, or 1,500 charge cycles. That’s about five years of being in service. If you find that your warehouse’s forklift batteries aren’t lasting this long, it’s time to give your personnel training that will help keep your forklift batteries lasting longer. By doing this, you can save significant amounts of money by replacing your batteries less often, boosting warehouse efficiency.
Want to help optimize the lifespan of your warehouse’s forklift battery fleet? Here are the three best methods for maximizing forklift battery life:
Limit fast charges
It’s often tempting for personnel to charge up a forklift battery over the lunch hour to give it an extra boost for the rest of the work day. However, making this a habit is one of the easiest ways to reduce the lifespan of a battery due to the excessive heat generated during a fast charge. After a certain point, the battery won’t be able to hold a charge at all.
Keep up on forklift battery washing
Another factor that contributes to a reduction in forklift battery life is sulphonation — a process where the chemicals within a forklift battery change into white sulfuric acid crystals that form a crust over the battery’s exterior. This sulfuric substance compromises the battery’s ability to hold a charge, so regular forklift battery washing is vital.
Water your batteries as needed
Are your personnel watering your forklift batteries as often as they should be? Each battery should be watered once every five to 10 charges for optimal lifespan. This helps prevent the battery’s plates from becoming exposed to air, which makes them dry, brittle and more prone to breaking. Always use distilled, mineral-free water when watering a forklift battery.
Want to know even more about the best forklift battery maintenance procedures? Ask any questions you may have and share your thoughts in the comments below. Check out this website for more. Get more on this here.
