NOTE: Some battery chargers have a program to automati-
cally charge the battery according to battery manufacturer
recommendations. Use the recommendations of the manu-
facturer. Use only battery chargers approved by the battery
manufacturer or dealer.
Specific Gravity Corrections
Never let the battery discharge below the minimum value
given by the manufacturer. A fully charged battery will have
a specific gravity of 1.265 to 1.310 at 25 °C (77 °F) or the
value specified by the manufacturer. The cells must be
equally charged. If necessary, give a new battery a slow
rate charge for 3 to 6 hours after the normal charge is com-
plete for an equal charge on all cells.
NOTE: Frequent charging of a battery that has a 2/3 or
more charge can decrease battery life.
CAUTION
Low battery voltage requires higher current flow to do
the same work. This high current flow can damage the
motor, contactors, and the battery. Do not operate the
lift truck with a battery that has a corrected specific
gravity of less than the minimum value specified by the
manufacturer.
Proper use of the hydrometer and proper operation of the
charger are important. Follow the instructions of the manu-
facturer. See Figure 20.
Make specific gravity corrections for the electrolyte temper-
ature as shown in Table 3.
Remove the vent cap from each cell and make sure the
plates have electrolyte over them before charging the bat-
tery. Never charge a battery at a rate that will raise the
electrolyte temperature above 49 °C (120 °F). Never let a
battery stay completely discharged.
Each battery must have a slow rate charge (equalizer
charge) for 3 to 6 hours following a normal charge once
each month. DO NOT give an equalizer charge more than
once a week. If the specific gravity difference is more than
0.020 between cells of the battery after an equalizer
charge, consult your battery dealer.
Maintenance
74
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