As a scissor lift operator it’s essential to understand the importance of proper battery maintenance.
Why does a battery need water?
Maintaining the proper electrolyte balance within a battery is absolutely crucial for ensuring it can consistently generate the necessary power to function effectively. The water contained within the battery plays a vital role in this process, acting as the medium that allows the electrolytes to freely move and facilitate the electrochemical reactions that produce electrical current.
Without an adequate supply of water, the electrolyte levels become imbalanced, disrupting the battery's delicate internal chemistry and compromising its ability to generate sufficient power causing permanent damages.
This can manifest in a variety of performance issues, such as reduced lift capacity where the battery is unable to provide enough power to support heavy loads, slower travel speeds as the diminished electrical output limits the motor's acceleration.
Regularly monitoring the water level and replenishing it is an essential maintenance task to keep the battery operating at peak efficiency and prevent problems.
How often do I need to verify the water level in the batteries?
The water level in the batteries can change every time the batteries are charged or heavily used, as such, to avoid damaging the battery due to a low water level and given the fact that it takes less than 2 minutes to perform, its level should be validated on a daily basis.
What kind of water to you need?
When filling a scissor lift battery, always use distilled water. The minerals contained in tap water can damage the batteries. The proper level of distilled water is simply 1/8 of an inch above the plates which you can see with a flash light once you have removed all the battery caps.
Where to get distilled water?
Distilled water can be found at most supermarkets, hardware stores and even groceries. Alternatively, it can also be purchased online.
Is demineralized water the same as distilled water?
Contrary to persistent believes, demineralized water is not the same as distilled water and cannot be used as a substitute. In distilled water, suspended particles, organic materials, bacteria, viruses, and other impurities are removed while demineralized water treatment only removes minerals from water.
How to add water in a battery?
Step 1: Make sure the scissor lift is turned off (e-stop button pushed down)*.
Step 2: Open the battery compartment and unscrew the caps from all batteries.
Step 3: Verify the water level of each cell with a flashlight.
Step 4: Add distilled water to 1/8 of an inch on top of the battery plates.
Step 5: Put back the battery caps and plug the battery charger.
Sometimes, charging batteries make them boil and loose water, as such, once charging is complete, check water levels again and add additional distilled water as needed.
*: while the scissor lift will be turned off, its batteries are still live, precautions must be taken to avoid creating a short between the different battery leads and body of the equipment as it could create a dangerous spark which could result in physical injuries and equipment damages.
How often do you need to add water?
We recommend checking the water level in the batteries on a daily basis as the level can change rapidly based how they are used throughout the day and how long they are being charged.
