E-Stapler im Mietalltag: So läuft’s rund mit der Batterie - BIBERGER

Technik

Electric forklifts in everyday rental business: How the battery works

Q: How do you move an electric forklift with a dead battery?

A Electric forklift with empty battery can only be moved manually if it has a mechanical emergency release or a Freewheel This feature is model-dependent and mostly in the Operating instructions documented. Without this unlocking, the forklift not pulled or pushed become.

Q: What is the correct order for charging the electric forklift?

When charging an electric forklift, the correct order is crucial , to Safety risks and device damage to avoid: Switch off the forklift Activate the parking brake and secure it against rolling away Connect the charger cable to the forklift Connect the charger to the power supply Start charging (automatic or manual, depending on the device) After charging: first unplug the power cord, then disconnect the charging cable from the forklift Important: Always charge in well-ventilated environment , use only the included charger and charge regularly to avoid deep discharge.

Q: Why does my electric forklift keep breaking down?

An electric forklift often stops working when Security functions intervene or a technical problem Possible causes are: Battery level too low or Deep discharge Defective battery connection , loose contact or damaged charging cable Overheating of control or drive unit Error message due to blocked brake or defective sensor Malfunction in the accelerator pedal or dead man's switch Important: Modern electric forklifts are equipped with Self-protection mechanisms equipped – in case of anomalies, operation is automatically interrupted. First, check the Battery status , check all Plug connections and read the Error message on the display off (if available). If the problem occurs repeatedly, the forklift must not be used any further – contact technical support or landlord.

Q: What type of batteries do electric forklifts use?

Electric forklifts are mainly used Traction batteries , which are specifically designed to power industrial trucks. The most common types are: Lead-acid batteries : robust, reliable, inexpensive – but maintenance-intensive Gel batteries (AGM) : low maintenance, leak-proof, ideal for shorter use Lithium-ion batteries : lightweight, fast-charging, particularly durable – mostly installed in modern devices What type of battery is used , depends on the Area of application, the forklift type and the Availability in the rental park At BIBERGER you always get devices with technically tested, ready-to-use batteries – including suitable charging technology.

Q: How long does a forklift need to charge?

An electric forklift truck requires, depending on Battery type and charger on average 6 to 12 hours to be fully charged. Lead-acid batteries : approx. 8–12 hours Gel batteries : approx. 8–10 hours Lithium-ion batteries : depending on the model often only 1–3 hours Important: A full charging cycle extends the life of the battery. Intermediate charges are permitted , but should be as controlled as possible. Always charge with the charger approved by the manufacturer or rental company .

Q: Can I charge a forklift overnight?

Yes, you can Easily charge electric forklifts overnight , provided that a smart charger Modern chargers switch automatically once the battery is fully charged. Important: Only charge in well-ventilated areas Use only approved original accessories Never charge damaged batteries unattended For lead-acid batteries: Check water level regularly , ideally after full loading .

Zusammenfassung

Nothing works without electricity – and that’s where most mistakes happen.Avoid deep discharges,only use the supplied charger,do not start below 20%. Intermediate charging is okay, but running on empty is not. The charging area mustdry and ventilatedCheck plugs and poles regularly.

In short: If you keep your battery under control, you'll avoid downtime, technician visits, and stress on the construction site. BIBERGER takes care of everything else – reliably, immediately ready for use, and with immediate replacement or on-site service in the event of problems.

Zusammenfassung

Electric forklifts – or e-forklifts for short – have become an indispensable part of modern warehousing and logistics operations. They are quiet, emission-free , and perfect for use in warehouses or on clean floors. They are also playing an increasingly important role in the rental sector. However, anyone renting an electric forklift should be familiar with one crucial component: the drive battery .

In this article, you will learn what you should pay attention to when using electric forklifts in everyday rental operations , how to treat the battery correctly – and how to avoid breakdowns with little effort.

What distinguishes an electric forklift

Unlike diesel or gas-powered forklifts, an electric forklift runs purely on electricity—powered by a 24-, 48-, or 80-volt traction battery. This offers many advantages:

No CO₂ emissions – ideal for indoor use
Low noise level – pleasant for employees
Less maintenance – no exhaust system, no oil change
Easy charging via mains connection

Renting an electric forklift is particularly worthwhile for temporary jobs. The prerequisite is that the battery is properly cared for. Without power, everything comes to a standstill.

Why the battery is so important in rental operations

The battery in electric forklifts is more than just a power storage device – it's crucial for range, reliability, and longevity. While you can simply refuel combustion-engine models, an electric forklift requires scheduled charging times and careful handling .

If this is neglected, it can:

massively shorten the operating time
lead to charging problems
in the worst case, damage the battery

Therefore, anyone renting an electric forklift should also know the basics of battery use.

5 things you need to know about electric forklift batteries

Daily check of the charge level

Before you start, check the battery display. Don't start below 20% to avoid unexpected failures.

Use only the supplied chargers

The rental package always includes the appropriate charger. Other chargers may cause damage or be incompatible.

Intermediate charging is allowed – deep discharge is not

Contrary to previous thinking, intermediate charging is now permitted to extend running time. However, never run the car until it's empty, or battery damage may occur.

Low-maintenance battery does not mean maintenance-free

Many rental electric forklifts have low-maintenance gel or lithium batteries . Nevertheless, keep the terminals clean, check the connectors, and report any damage.

Pay attention to the charging environment

When charging, ensure that the area is well ventilated, away from flammable materials and on a solid floor without any accumulation of water .

What happens if there are problems?

With a rental device from BIBERGER , you can rest assured: The battery has been tested, charged, and is ready for immediate use. Should something still not be right:

Stop the forklift immediately
Report errors by phone or via our chat
We will deliver a replacement or send a technician

Our service is familiar with electric forklifts of all classes – whether front loaders, reach trucks or four-wheel electric forklifts.

Training for safe working with electric forklifts

As part of our SYSTEM-CARD training, we also teach the proper handling of electric forklifts and batteries . Ideal for rental customers who want to play it safe or who regularly use industrial trucks.

Conclusion: Those who think ahead drive longer

Electric forklifts are economical, environmentally friendly, and reliable – if you keep the battery under control . In everyday rental operations, it's crucial to keep an eye on the battery charge level, use the right charger, and respond quickly to problems.

If you're looking to rent an electric forklift that runs reliably, BIBERGER is the right place for you.

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FAQ

How do you move an electric forklift with a dead battery?

AElectric forklift with empty batterycan only be moved manually if it has amechanical emergency releaseor aFreewheelThis feature ismodel-dependentand mostly in theOperating instructionsdocumented. Without this unlocking, the forkliftnot pulled or pushedbecome.

What is the correct order for charging the electric forklift?

When charging an electric forklift, thecorrect order is crucial, toSafety risks and device damageto avoid:

Switch off the forklift
Activate the parking brake and secure it against rolling away
Connect the charger cable to the forklift
Connect the charger to the power supply
Start charging (automatic or manual, depending on the device)
After charging: first unplug the power cord, then disconnect the charging cable from the forklift

Important:Always charge inwell-ventilated environment, use only theincluded chargerandcharge regularlyto avoid deep discharge.

Why does my electric forklift keep breaking down?

An electric forklift often stops working whenSecurity functions interveneor atechnical problemPossible causes are:

Battery level too loworDeep discharge
Defective battery connection, loose contact or damaged charging cable
Overheating of control or drive unit
Error message due to blocked brake or defective sensor
Malfunction in the accelerator pedal or dead man's switch

Important:Modern electric forklifts are equipped withSelf-protection mechanismsequipped – in case of anomalies, operation is automatically interrupted. First, check theBattery status, check allPlug connectionsand read theError message on the displayoff (if available).

If the problem occurs repeatedly, the forklift must not be used any further– contact technical support or landlord.

What type of batteries do electric forklifts use?

Electric forklifts are mainly usedTraction batteries, which are specifically designed to power industrial trucks. The most common types are:

Lead-acid batteries: robust, reliable, inexpensive – but maintenance-intensive
Gel batteries (AGM): low maintenance, leak-proof, ideal for shorter use
Lithium-ion batteries: lightweight, fast-charging, particularly durable – mostly installed in modern devices

What type of battery is used, depends on theArea of application, the forklift typeand theAvailability in the rental parkAt BIBERGER you always get devices withtechnically tested, ready-to-use batteries– including suitable charging technology.

How long does a forklift need to charge?

An electric forklift truck requires, depending onBattery type and chargeron average6 to 12 hoursto be fully charged.

Lead-acid batteries: approx.8–12 hours
Gel batteries: approx.8–10 hours
Lithium-ion batteries: depending on the model often only1–3 hours

Important:A full charging cycle extends the life of the battery.Intermediate charges are permitted, but should be as controlled as possible. Always charge with thecharger approved by the manufacturer or rental company.

Can I charge a forklift overnight?

Yes, you canEasily charge electric forklifts overnight, provided that asmart chargerModern chargers switchautomaticallyonce the battery is fully charged.

Important:

Only charge inwell-ventilated areas
Useonly approved original accessories
Never charge damaged batteries unattended

For lead-acid batteries:Check water level regularly, ideallyafter full loading.

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