Instructions for Battery Charging Forklifts
- 1). Pull the forklift key from the ignition. Open the engine cowl to gain access to the battery. Some forklift batteries can be found under the swivel-back driver's seat. Smell the battery for any sulfur odor, which might be a sign of hydrogen dioxide -- a bad cell or leaking battery.
- 2). Don a pair of gloves and remove the cell caps. Any milky battery cell water (acid), or a cell that steams or smokes, could also indicate a shorted cell. If no odor or discolored battery water exists, check the water level. All cells should be filled to the top of the cell plates. Use a battery water bottle, filled with distilled water, to top off each cell.
- 3). Replace the battery caps. Use a socket and wrench to remove the battery cables. If the bottom of the battery box has white sulfuric acid crust, remove the battery hold-down bracket with a socket and pull the battery out of the compartment. Scrub the battery compartment with a brush and a solution baking soda and water. Clean the battery with the brush and baking soda water. Dry it with rags and reinstall it in the battery compartment. Refasten the battery hold-down clamps with a socket.
- 4). Place the battery charger as far from the battery as the cables will allow, to avoid random sparks. Make sure the battery charger selector sits in the "Off" position. Do not plug in the battery charger yet. Connect the red, positive charger cable to the red, positive battery terminal. Connect the charger black, negative cable to an engine ground source or the chassis.
- 5). Set the battery volt selector to the proper 6-volt or 12-volt DC setting. Refer to your forklift owner's manual for the specified amp and time setting for the battery. Set the timer for the proper charging time. If the charger has a manual amp meter selector, choose the proper amp setting; 2, 6, 12, or 30 amps, for example. If the charger has an automatic charging function, you will not need to set the amp range or a manual timer.
- 6). Remove the battery caps. Plug the battery charger into the service outlet and turn the charger to the "On" position. Let the battery charge for the specified time period. Turn the battery charger off and unplug it from the service outlet . Remove the charging cables. Use a battery hydrometer to check each cell for specific gravity. The cork or ball floats in the hydrometer should reside in the "Green" scale on the hydrometer. When all cells read green, the battery has a full charge.
- 7). Reconnect the battery cables and tighten them with a socket. Spread some Vaseline over the tops and sides of the cable ends. Close the engine cowl or snap the seat back into position.
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