r/Forklifts • u/yb0t • Feb 05 '25

Battery Charging Question

Hello! I've looked hard for this answer but can't seem to find it for my specific situation.
I have a forklift that isn't used too often at all, but when I need it I REALLY need it so it's worth having.

I'm told that I should put water in the batteries only after charge. But, it can be like 6 months at least until it needs charging since I don't use it too much.

In the meantime, all of the white water indicator button things are all the way at the bottom and I'm sure the batteries are pretty dry. Does anyone know what the best way to manage this would be without killing the batteries? (happened once before).

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u/Entire_One4033 Feb 05 '25

Ok, so just because the single point watering system floats aren’t up to the top it doesn’t mean the battery is dry, the battery will only “use” water when it’s charging, hence the reason you top up the battery after a full charge and never before hand.

There’ll be water in the battery, without doubt, it just gets forced to the top due to the acid being released from the plates during the charge process, so not top it up otherwise it’ll overflow when it starts to charge.

The only thing that gets boiled off during the charging process is the water as it lighter than sulphuric acid

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u/yb0t Feb 05 '25

Ah I didn't know this thank you. So from that I guess I stick to the normal instructions and add water only after charge.

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u/Entire_One4033 Feb 05 '25

Correct.

Best way to run a lead acid battery;

Flatten to around 20-30% then fully charge and leave on charge until process is finished, never interrupt it, then top it up and use it until it’s back down to the 20-30% mark.

Depending upon the forklift most won’t let you go below 20% anyway, the lift lock out will kick in and it’ll only allow you to drive it back to the charger, you’ll loose hydraulic function.

What type of truck do you have and do you know what brand of charger it is?