Instructions for How to Charge a Forklift Battery

When you are trying to turn on and operate your electric forklift, but the battery meter is low and the forklift won't operate, then you will have to charge the forklift battery. Forklifts have a large, high-voltage battery that operates the machine. You must properly charge the battery to maintain the life of the battery. You shouldn't plug the battery in to the charger when you are not using it; rather, charge the battery only when it needs it.

Things You'll Need

• Industrial battery charging station

Instructions

1. Park the forklift next to the industrial battery charging station. Shut off and remove the key from the forklift ignition.

2. Open the battery panel on the forklift to expose the battery. Pull the plug on the cord from the forklift electric motor, plugging into the battery.

3. Turn on the industrial battery charging station.

4. Read the battery voltage on the forklift battery data plate. Set the industrial battery charging station to that voltage. Plug the industrial battery charging station cord into the battery on the forklift.

5. Set the charger to auto shutoff for when the battery is fully charged. If the charger doesn't have an auto shutoff, then check the battery meter occasionally until it is full. It usually takes eight hours to charge a dead forklift battery.

6. Pull the charger's plug when the battery meter is full on the forklift. Shut off the industrial battery charging station.

7. Plug the forklift motor cord back into the battery. Shut the battery panel.

References

• Lab Safety: Forklift Battery Changing Station Safety