Voss Equipment Battery Washing Services

The battery is the heart of the forklift. Are you looking to optimize and extend the lifespan of your forklift batteries? In our last edition of the Voss Equipment blog, we offered 5 ways to get the most out of your forklift batteries. One of the key tips was to regularly wash your batteries. In this edition of the Voss Equipment blog, let’s take a closer look at battery washing tips and services. 

Signs Your Battery Needs Cleaning

Wondering if your forklift battery needs to be washed? Depending on usage, you may need to wash your batteries anywhere between every two weeks to every six months; and you’ll definitely want to schedule a full battery washing service at least two to four times a year.

To gauge when your next service should be, check to see if the top of the battery looks dirty or damp. Monitor this regularly, and contact Voss Equipment for battery washing services. Our mobile wash unit can be brought on-site, and the process can both extend the lifespan of your batteries and prevent damage to your forklift.

Why Batteries Need Washes

Wondering why your forklift batteries need to be washed? Acidic residue buildup on forklift battery cases can cause all types of problems, such as:

• Creating a conductive circuit between lead posts and steel cases, which burns through charge cycles and limits the lifespan of the battery.
• Acid accumulation can corrode terminals, limiting battery capacity and even wearing the battery down so much that it can no longer be used. 
• Shorter operating life of your forklift and battery.
• Voltage leaks during operation.
• Increased exposure to electrolyte for battery handling staff.

There are a few ways that forklift battery electrolyte can escape to accumulate on battery cases:

• As batteries release gas during charges, a fine acidic vapor may drift to the tops of battery cases.
• Agitated electrolyte can spill out of battery vents during the charging process, an occurrence typically known as “boil-over.” Over-watering cells increases the risk of boil-over.
• Batteries may leak electrolytes. If they are stored in tiered racks, and drip-pans are not installed or changed regularly, the batteries on the upper levels might drip electrolytes onto those below.

Regular Spot Cleans

To prevent acid buildup, regularly spot-clean the tops of battery cases with an acid-neutralizing de-greaser. Make sure the vent caps are tightly connected before any washing task. Accidentally introducing neutralizers into electrolytes will ruin your battery.

Annual or Bi-Annual Washing Services

In addition to cleaning the top of the battery and the cases on a regular basis, or following boil-over or spills, thoroughly wash forklift batteries two to four times per year, depending on usage. A battery dealer with a Battery Wash Cabinet Kit can simply provide this service on-site, with minimal downtime for forklift batteries. Voss Equipment offers expert battery washing services, and can come to your site.

Technicians arrive with a portable wash unit, complete with fork pockets for easy delivery. The tank allows them to capture all runoff from the wash, and carry away used water for recycling or disposal, in accordance with federal and local environmental regulations, preventing pollution or environmental contamination.

Reach Out to Us

Voss Equipment is your reliable partner for forklift sales, parts, service, warehouse design and optimization, and so much more. As your material handling problem solvers in the Chicago Metro area and Northwest Indiana since 1934, we are ready to assist you in choosing the right equipment for your warehouse space and needs. 

At Voss Equipment, we understand that the battery is the heart of the forklift, and keeping it in good condition is essential. Contact us today to schedule a regularly recurring forklift battery wash appointment. Don’t let dirty or corroded batteries damage your investment, reduce downtime, and hinder efficiency; contact us today.