nifty 170SD series Operating/Safety Instructions Manual page 35

2) Some Niftylifts are fitted with a Battery Management System, which permanently monitors
the condition of the batteries. When the batteries become discharged to 80% of their capacity
the management system will begin to "shut down" the hydraulic power packs. This causes
the drive/boom operating system to alternately stop and start, signalling to the operator that
re-charging is necessary. However, there is sufficient power remaining to enable the operator
to drive slowly to the nearest charging point.
Should the operator ignore the onset of the battery discharge warning the "shut down" of the motors
will continue, until the machine is rendered in-operative. Immediate charging will then be
required.
CHARGING LIMITATIONS
Battery charging times will increase slightly if using an 110V supply as opposed to a 240V supply.
This is due to the connection of the primary coils being in parallel, which in effect only allows the
transformer to see 220V. Similarly, the capacity of the 110V supply will decide the input current
available; hence a small hand-tool transformer will not operate the battery charger efficiently,
therefore: - charging times will increase further due to input limitations.
Attention should also be given to the use of extension cables as power leads. Excessive cable
lengths from the supply point to the battery charger will result in significant voltage drop, leading to
a reduction in the chargers efficiency. In addition, inadequate sized cable cores will have a limiting
effect on its current carrying capacity, which will again lead to a reduction in the chargers
efficiency. Both of these can result in over-heating of the cable with the attendant risk of fire, short
circuits or damage to the components themselves.
The charger requires a minimum battery voltage of 4.5 volts per battery (overall for two batteries 9
volts, for 4 batteries 19 volts for 8 batteries 38 volts). If the voltage is below these values then the
charger will not function (Charger will not detect batteries to begin charge.) If the batteries have
fallen to such a poor state they will have to be removed from the machine and charged individually
with an independent charger until the optimum voltage has been reached. This is best performed at
very low currents to 'recover' the batteries if sulphation has already started i.e. a 'trickle' charger.
This can take several hours, possibly days. Careful monitoring of the rise of battery voltage will
indicate when recovery has been achieved.
TOPPING UP
During the course of normal operation, the batteries should be inspected at least once a fortnight to
check the level of electrolyte. During the end of charge, gassing takes place, which will cause a
slight reduction in the volume of acid in the battery. This can be topped up with de-ionised water as
required. During this inspection, it is useful to note any imbalance in the fluid levels. One indication
of a faulty cell would be an increase in the loss of battery acid, which would then require more
frequent topping up on that cell, or cells. Faulty cells can liberate excess hydrogen, even during
normal operation, with the resulting risk of explosion if ignited. Any faulty batteries should be
replaced as soon as possible with an equivalent sized and rated unit.
Note: Protective safety glasses and gloves (Appropriate PPE) MUST be worn whilst
performing these checks.
English/USA 09/03
Operating & Safety Instructions
SD Series
33