Maintenance Points for Aerial Work Platform Batteries

With people's increasing awareness of environmental protection and the introduction of stringent emission regulations, energy-saving and environmentally friendly electric aerial work platforms are gradually gaining recognition and favour in both domestic and international markets. The battery is the power source and key electrical component of the electric aerial working platform, which is related to the performance and operational safety of the equipment, so it is crucial to do a good job of routine maintenance of the battery. The traction battery used in electric aerial work platforms is generally based on ordinary lead-acid batteries, whose main advantages are stable voltage and high-cost performance. In daily use and maintenance, the following aspects can effectively extend the service life of the battery.
1. Routine inspection should not be neglected
The top of the battery and the terminal connections should be kept dry and clean, free of dust and corrosion to avoiding causing leakage or short circuit faults. If the battery surface is dirty, use a wet cloth or brush to clean the top of the battery, terminals and connection parts with a mixture of baking soda and water, and dry with a cloth to avoid the cleaning solution entering the battery interior.

Check if the battery cables, terminals and wires are damaged, check if the battery terminal joints and connections with the wires are oxidised and corroded, and clean or replace them as soon as they are found. Also check if the battery cover is deformed and hot, if so deal with it in time.
2. Fill the battery with liquid regularly
Generally speaking, if the electrolyte level is 10mm higher than the plate, it means that there is no need to add liquid. If the electrolyte level is not yet higher than the plate, distilled water or deionised water should be added. If too much-distilled water is added and the electrolyte overflows, it will corrode the battery case and cables, thus affecting the battery life.

The frequency of refilling depends on the use of the battery and the working temperature. Usually, the longer the battery is used, the more frequently it will be refilled. Before refilling the battery, the vent cap must be removed and the battery fully charged. If the battery plate is already exposed, add water to just submerge the plate before charging, then charge and refill with distilled water. The vent cap should be reinstalled on the battery after refilling.

3. Charge the battery in strict accordance with the specifications 
The battery should be fully charged after each use and should not be discharged more than 80% of its capacity in 5h. It should be charged when the power is between 35% and 80% of the rated capacity. Lead-acid batteries have no memory effect and therefore do not need to be fully discharged before recharging. New batteries are recharged after 3 to 4 hours of use. The battery will emit gas (bubbling) towards the end of charging, so charge in a well-ventilated area without open flames. Also take special care not to charge non-rechargeable batteries.

4. Pay attention to battery storage 
Store the batteries fully charged before storing them and store them in a cool, dry place protected from the weather. Disconnect the battery from the equipment before storage to eliminate the potential risk of battery leakage. The battery will gradually self-discharge during storage. Monitor the electrolyte-specific gravity or battery voltage every 4 to 6 weeks and recharge the battery once if it falls below 70% capacity. Stored batteries should be recharged before loading.

5. Safety in maintenance 
Wear protective overalls, protective gloves and goggles when checking and maintaining the battery. Do not store any maintenance tools or other metal objects on the surface of the battery. Make sure that the battery is kept away from sparks, flames and metal objects. If the electrolyte is spilt on the skin or in the eyes, rinse with plenty of water and if necessary receive professional medical attention. If electrolyte is spilt on clothing take it off, rinse with water and then rinse with a weak alkaline soap. If electrolyte leaks to the outside, neutralise with lime, strong carbonate of soda or carbonate of soda and rinse with plenty of water.