The Circle Of Battery Life Maintenance

More and more facilities are now using battery powered floor scrubbers to clean their floors. They are faster and much more productive and efficient than the traditional mop and bucket. They also require more attention and maintenance. One of the biggest concerns is the batteries. This one area seems to be the most neglected. Maintenance staffs will perform daily maintenance to clean out the dirty water, clean the squeegees and brushes, pads and filters. Not as often do they pop the caps on the batteries to check and correct the water levels. This one task is crucial for the machine to function properly since most machines have wet/cell batteries. Batteries should be checked at least on a weekly basis.

Here are a few basic tips and when used together they create the circle of battery life maintenance. Check out the image below for a more visually appealing representation.

• Check the water levels at least once per week.
• Use only distilled water when filling the cells.
• Cover with enough water to cover the lead plates but not to the top of the cell.

• Clean off the terminal posts.
• Make sure the cable connections are tight.
• Charge the batteries before you fill them completely. (Assuming the water level covers the lead plates)
• Always plug the charger into the machine first, and then plug into the wall outlet.
• When Charging is complete remove plug from wall first, then the machine.
• After charging check the water levels and fill to the water level mark in each cell.

Following these simple steps will result in longer running time and increased longevity for your batteries. Batteries are expensive. Good maintenance will reduce your cost and expense.