When selecting surface preparation equipment, contractors often consider the power source. For example, propane and battery-powered machines both have their merits. Propane fuelled machines don’t require access to electricity, so can work on remote sites. Alternatively, battery operated machines suit residential sites because they are quieter and don’t emit any fumes when used indoors. Considering the application is key, but businesses must also consider the lifespan of the machine and power source to reduce costs and maintain efficiency.
Little maintenance is required to run battery-operated machinery and you can easily extend the battery lifespan to improve ROI and efficiency even further. Here are some common questions that operators have about maintaining the battery life of their machines.
Can I leave my scraper plugged in while it’s charging?
Historically batteries were run down to the minimum level, left to rest, charged fully and then unplugged. This is not the case today. Advances in charging technologies mean the battery will not be damaged if the machine is left plugged in. The charging technology knows what percentage it is charged and maintains the levels better.
Why is my machine running out of battery when it says it’s fully charged?
Operators sometimes see the battery indicator reading 100 when a National scraper is charging. This error is caused by looking at the wrong indicator for battery charge. The readout on the control panel shows the amount of voltage in the battery, not the level of charge it has. The battery charger toward the bottom of your machine shows your battery health. It will blink green when the battery is 80 per cent charged and go solid green when it is fully charged. The time to fully charge a machine, it can take four to ten hours, depending on the type of machine and age of the battery.
Can I replace my battery myself?
All National Flooring Equipment battery powered scrapers use absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. These can withstand the high impact environment and the tough conditions of a ride-on scraper in the work. Replacing these batteries is simple with the right tools.
You might want to cut costs by replacing the battery with a cheaper lead acid battery from your local automotive shop. While it might seem like a great, cheap alternative, you could do serious damage to your floor scraper. The onboard charger on your equipment runs an algorithm specifically for an AGM battery set. Replacing your batteries with a different style will cause major electrical damage to your equipment.
Battery operated ride-on scrapers are a great solution for residential, commercial, and industrial flooring removal. Learn how to properly maintain your battery ride on scrapers for fewer replacements and better efficiency.