Rechargeable forklift batteries are the greenest source of motive power available. Electric forklifts produce far fewer greenhouse gasses than lift trucks powered by internal combustion, and they eliminate the need for engine fluid changes. Most importantly, they’re safer for workers and almost entirely recyclable — in fact, most of the lead used in forklift batteries is recycled. Still, the amount… Continue Reading
Monthly Archives: April 2015
BHS Announces Online Knowledge Base for Material Handling Industry Professionals
April 28, 2015 – St. Louis, MO – Battery Handling Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of material handling and battery changing equipment, has announced the creation of an industry knowledge base, accessible on the company’s website at www.bhs1.com. The knowledge base features product comparisons, safety recommendations, and other resources for material handling industry professionals. References are available with every document, and downloadable PDFs allow visitors to easily print and share the information. “By creating a centralized resource, we hope to provide warehouse managers and other decision makers with direct access to industry-specific information,” said Katy Cortinovis, Marketing Manager at BHS. “This info usually isn’t available anywhere else. With a few quick clicks, a visitor can easily compare different products and… Continue Reading
TT-922: Technical Support
24 Hour Access to BHS Technical Information Live Phone Support: Call 1.877.BHS.4YOU (1.877.247.4968) from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time to speak with the BHS Technical Support Team. With a combined experience of over 75 years in assembly, shipping, installation, equipment design, manual publication and quality control, the BHS Technical Support Team can answer all of your questions. Live Chat: Have a question for our Sales or Technical Support team? Our live chatfeature provides direct access to our team with quick responses! Live Chat is available 24/7 for your every need. After Hours Support: Need a question answered outside of normal business hours? No problem! Just call 1.877.BHS.4YOU (1.877.247.4968), leave a message and our system will alert the on-call… Continue Reading
TT-921: The Force of Impact
Models Effected: All Battery Stands The importance of proper roller compartment alignment of battery extractor and roller stand during battery transfer. Description: An excessive amount of force is exerted on battery stand compartment rollers when a 2,800 lb battery is dropped from a height of just a few inches. This impact can cause substantial damage to the battery compartment rollers, roller shafts, and even the battery stand superstructure. Once the stand’s superstructure is damaged, roller failure will occur and will continue to occur until the battery stand is repaired or replaced. Over 40,000 pounds of force is exerted on battery stand compartment rollers when a 2,800 lb battery is dropped from a height of 4 inches. Over 28,000 pounds of… Continue Reading
TT-920: In-line pH Probe Care and Meter Calibration
Models Affected: RNS-4-SS Proper care of RNS-4-SS pH monitoring components. Description: Consistent monitoring of pH levels and proper care of pH monitoring components are very important steps when assuring smooth operation, preventing part failures, and extending the overall life of your Recirculation/Neutralization System (RNS) system. Improper pH levels in the RNS holding tank account for approximately nine out of ten component failures. The pH level should never drop below 5.0 or rise above 9.0. Allowing the pH level to fall outside of these parameters may result in premature failure of the sump pump and float switch located in the Battery Wash Cabinet. Left unchecked, further damage to the relief valve and system pump are likely. Also, highly acidic water may… Continue Reading
TT-915: Caster & Drive Wheel Alignment
Models Effected: All Operator Aboard Extractors The Importance of Proper Caster and Drive Wheel Alignment Description: Improper wheel alignment can result in abnormal wheel tread wear, drive wheel assembly bearing failure, as well as guidance arm bearing failure. In order to ensure proper tracking of both the rigid mounted idler casters and the drive assemblies, the alignment must be validated any time an idler caster or drive assembly is removed or replaced. Recommendation: Casters and drive wheel assemblies should be aligned within 1/16”. Refer to Technical Procedure TP-611 for complete alignment procedure.
TT-916: AC Phase Sensitivity
Models Affected: All Operator Aboard Extractors Extractor Motor Runs but All Functions Move Slowly (If at All) and Pump Creates Little to No Pressure Description: The extractor motor is phase sensitive and will run in reverse if wired out of phase. With the motor running in reverse, the pump also runs in reverse creating little to no pressure. If ran for an extended period of time in the reverse direction, irreparable damage to the pump will occur. Repair: To verify if the motor is running in reverse, remove the access plate on the pump-to-motor adapter and check the coupling rotation against the correct rotation indicator marked on the adapter. To correct phase reversal, switch two of the three hot leads… Continue Reading
TT-917: Drive Wheel Failure
Models Affected: All Operator Aboard Battery Extractors. Difficulty or Inability for Operator Aboard Battery Extractor (BE) to Move when Loaded Unless Pushed to Start Description: The BE is driven by two drive wheel assemblies. If one wheel assembly fails, it is possible for the BE to travel unloaded with little or no trouble. Once loaded however, the BE may be difficult or even impossible to start moving without pushing it with a lift truck. Once moving, the BE may travel normally until coming to a stop and require assistance to get moving again. Recommendation: There are two different processes to check for drive wheel assembly failure. Machine Loaded 1. Load the BE with two batteries that will produce the problem… Continue Reading
Understanding LEED Certification and Forklift Battery Rooms
With the introduction of 2013’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Version 4 (LEED v4), it is less complex than ever for U.S. warehouses and distribution centers to obtain certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification provides numerous operational benefits, including lower energy costs and eligibility for governmental incentive programs. Measures of sustainability such as LEED certification are… Continue Reading
TT-919: Lift Circuit Velocity Fuse
Models Affected: All Operator Aboard Battery Extractors All BHS Operator Aboard Battery Extractors (BE) are equipped with velocity fuses on each cylinder to prevent sudden, unexpected lowering of the battery compartment. Properly sized velocity fuses will prevent free-fall of the battery compartment in the event of a disconnected cylinder hose, hose breakage, or other component failure that would allow oil in the cylinders to be released at a rapid rate. Description: Velocity fuses work by sensing higher than normal oil flow rates exiting the bottom port of the cylinders. When the velocity fuse senses this higher flow, the fuse locks closed, preventing any oil from passing through the fuse. The typical time for a velocity fuse to activate is less… Continue Reading
