I went and picked up an automatic wheeled 6/12V charger yesterday to go with the little bench-top model. I figured one of these would be more handy around the farm than just getting a used 36V charger dedicated to the forklift. It is micro processor controlled and features 2, 20 and 60 AMP charging modes. It also features a desulfation mode and a 275 AMP engine start mode (although that would have to be very optimistic rating I would think given the 4 GA leads and so-so connecting clamps).
http://www.cstone.net/~dk/hysterbatt-10-5-01.JPG
I started with the 6V 60 AMP mode, but I could hear it bubbling the acid in the 3 cells, and after a while I got the CHARGING ABORTED BAD BATTERY message. I then started over in the 20 AMP mode which is what it recommended for deep cycle batteries anyway. It ran all night (checked it around midnight and it was at 68%). Checked again this morning and low and behold, it had switched to maintenance mode and indicated the battery was fully charged!
http://www.cstone.net/~dk/hysterbatt-10-5-02.JPG
After removing the clamps, I put the Fluke on each of the 3 cells, and they all measured exactly the same, namely 2.044 V.
http://www.cstone.net/~dk/hysterbatt-10-5-03.JPG
So a little shy of the 2.180 V that you mentioned Isaac, but I'm optimistic that this battery will have some life left in it. I got the wheeled charger working on the 2nd 6V set of cells now and the little guy working on the 3rd.
I also lifted out the metal floor boards and was able to determine that there indeed are only 3 valves connected to the 2 control knobs, and the "disconnected" feel in the 2nd position of the 2nd knob is how it should be. Also, no leaks under there either. That drive motor is a monster! I think it is rated at 25 hp and the hydraulic motor at 5 hp.
http://www.cstone.net/~dk/hysterbatt-10-5-01.JPG
I started with the 6V 60 AMP mode, but I could hear it bubbling the acid in the 3 cells, and after a while I got the CHARGING ABORTED BAD BATTERY message. I then started over in the 20 AMP mode which is what it recommended for deep cycle batteries anyway. It ran all night (checked it around midnight and it was at 68%). Checked again this morning and low and behold, it had switched to maintenance mode and indicated the battery was fully charged!
http://www.cstone.net/~dk/hysterbatt-10-5-02.JPG
After removing the clamps, I put the Fluke on each of the 3 cells, and they all measured exactly the same, namely 2.044 V.
http://www.cstone.net/~dk/hysterbatt-10-5-03.JPG
So a little shy of the 2.180 V that you mentioned Isaac, but I'm optimistic that this battery will have some life left in it. I got the wheeled charger working on the 2nd 6V set of cells now and the little guy working on the 3rd.
I also lifted out the metal floor boards and was able to determine that there indeed are only 3 valves connected to the 2 control knobs, and the "disconnected" feel in the 2nd position of the 2nd knob is how it should be. Also, no leaks under there either. That drive motor is a monster! I think it is rated at 25 hp and the hydraulic motor at 5 hp.