Watering Your Battery – Yes, It's a Thing!

Surprisingly, a lot of people don’t know you have to water a forklift battery. And no, I’m not talking about just splashing some water on it. For those who don’t have an automatic watering system, you’ll need to manually fill each cell with distilled water—yeah, it’s a pain, but it’s critical.

Proper maintenance of forklift batteries is essential for extending their lifespan and ensuring optimal performance. Knowing when and how to water a forklift battery can save time, reduce costs, and prevent potential hazards.

In this blog, we'll delve into the importance of watering your forklift batteries correctly and share tips on maintaining battery health. By the end, you'll understand the process, timing, and best practices to ensure your forklift fleet keeps running smoothly.

Sample Maintenance Schedule

To make things easier, here’s a sample schedule we recommend for a typical Monday-Friday, two-shift operation:

• Friday Afternoon: Plug your battery into the charger and hit the equalize button. Let it run over the weekend.
• Monday Morning: Check the battery charge. If it's fully charged and cool, now’s the perfect time to water it.

How Do You Water a Forklift Battery?

Watering a forklift battery is a straightforward process, but it must be done with care to prevent potential damage or safety hazards. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to water your forklift battery:

1. Ensure Safety First: Wear proper protective gear, including gloves and goggles. Battery water contains acid, which can cause burns or damage to the skin and eyes.
2. Use Distilled Water: Never use tap water, as it contains minerals that can accumulate inside the battery and reduce its efficiency. Always use distilled or deionized water.
3. Check the Water Level Indicators: Modern forklift batteries often come with built-in water level indicators. Use these indicators to determine if the water level is too low.
4. Water the Battery After Charging: After the battery has completed a full charge cycle, open the vent caps carefully and inspect the water levels. Add distilled water to each cell until the water level reaches the recommended height—usually about half an inch above the internal plates.
5. Close the Caps Securely: After filling the battery, ensure the caps are closed tightly to prevent contamination and spillage.
6. Monitor Water Levels Consistently: Establish a regular battery maintenance routine to check and water your batteries consistently, based on your usage patterns.

Warehouse 101: How to Water a Forklift Battery

Watering should always occur after a full charge to prevent overfilling. Use only distilled water, and never let the water levels fall below the top of the battery plates. Overfilling or underfilling can cause long-term damage to your battery.

Did You Know?

• Many customers use single point watering systems to water their forklift batteries? These systems connect to all the cells and allow for watering in seconds without having to remove the battery from the forklift.

Why Watering Forklift Batteries Is Important

Forklift batteries are primarily made up of lead-acid cells that rely on water and sulfuric acid mixture to create a chemical reaction, which generates the energy needed to power the vehicle. Over time, this water evaporates during the charge and discharge cycles. If the water level becomes too low, the internal plates in the battery can be exposed to air, causing irreversible damage.

Maintaining proper water levels: 

• Extends the battery's operational life.
• Enhances the performance of the forklift.
• Reduces the risk of overheating or malfunctioning.
• Prevents costly repairs or premature replacement.

 Pro tip: Never water a hot battery. If your forklift is running hot and you put water in it, you’re asking for a dangerous spill. The best time to water? Right after you’ve equalized and the battery has cooled down.

When Do You Water a Forklift Battery?

Watering the battery is not a daily task, but it should follow a specific schedule based on how frequently the forklift is used and charged. The most crucial time to water a forklift battery is after it has completed a full charge. Watering the battery at this time allows the electrolyte levels to stabilize after charging, ensuring the water is properly absorbed.

Conclusion:

Knowing when and how to water your forklift batteries will dramatically impact the longevity of your forklift battery. Follow the outlined procedures, incorporate them into your maintenance routine, and enjoy the benefits of longer battery life and reduced downtime.

If you're unsure about your forklift battery's current state or need help developing a maintenance plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to Warehouse Buyers Club. Our team of experts is here to ensure your fleet operates smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most: keeping your warehouse running efficiently.

Sincerely,

Jeff Hillen

CEO, Warehouse Buyers Club

Contact Us Need help with your forklift battery maintenance? Contact us at (717) 746-8846 or visit www.warehousebuyersclub.com for expert advice and support!