Introduction

Forklift batteries are the large, heavy duty, and expensive batteries that power

forklifts and pallet-jacks. Forklift batteries are also one of the best kept secrets in

the renewable energy field because they make an incredible battery bank for off-

grid and solar applications.

Forklift batteries, like car batteries, are

lead-acid batteries. But unlike car

batteries, they’re deep-cycle batteries,

which is another reason they’re great for

off-grid and solar applications.

Servicing and reconditioning forklift

batteries is similar to servicing and reconditioning 12 volt automotive batteries -

but forklift batteries are larger, heavier, and require a couple extra reconditioning

steps. A forklift battery also has multiple two volt cells connected together that

make up the forklift battery. So when we recondition forklift batteries it’s almost

like we are reconditioning each individual two volt cell in the forklift battery.

Forklift batteries must be stored in a fully charged state. They also require

charging at least every 30 days to prevent sulfation. But unfortunately, forklift

batteries take a while to recharge and most people that use these batteries do

not follow proper charging practices; therefore, forklift batteries are typically in

pretty bad shape when we first get called in to service them. Most people also

don’t fill the batteries with distilled water regularly and they don’t clean the

corrosion from the terminals – so most forklift batteries are also dried out and the

terminals have corrosion all over them. For all of these reasons, many forklift

batteries die well before their full lifespan.

So in this guide you will learn how to reverse these issues and recondition forklift

batteries back to good working condition again. This information is incredibly

valuable because forklift batteries cost thousands of dollars and just

reconditioning and reusing one of these saves a lot of money.

Another benefit of learning forklift battery reconditioning is businesses with

forklifts pay big bucks to people who can recondition and service their forklift

batteries regularly. This saves businesses a lot of money because it greatly

increases the lifespan of these expensive batteries. And while every business that uses a lot of forklift batteries needs a battery reconditioning/servicing person to

regularly come in to service their batteries - not many people are in the battery

reconditioning business. So there is a lot of opportunity here! You can learn more

about this in our battery business guide if you’re interested.

Reconditioning forklift batteries comes down to proper cleaning, replacing fluids,

and removing sulfation. You’ll only need simple tools and equipment for this job –

most of which you may already own. Everything else can be found at local

hardware stores and online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon. When we

reference a specific part in this guide, we also link to where you can find that part

online for your convenience.