How to Improve the Battery Life of Your Power Equipment

Easy maintenance is one of the best perks of battery-powered equipment. These devices need minimal upkeep to stay in top condition, especially when compared to gas-powered equipment. That means you can spend less time working on your machines, and more time focusing on your actual work!

However, battery power does have one significant drawback: batteries need to be recharged every so often, and that downtime can disrupt your workday. These intervals will get shorter over time, but you can prolong the battery life of your power equipment with a few simple steps. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of your power equipment!

Keep the Battery Charged

For best results, recharge your power equipment as soon as you notice a decrease in power. Most batteries will perform best when charged to their full capacity. Lithium-ion batteries are an exception, as they do prefer a partial charge. In any case, you should never “deep discharge” the battery of your power equipment – in other words, you should recharge the battery before it drains fully. Operating your equipment with less than 10% charge can damage the battery, and a complete discharge will cause more stress than a partial discharge.

Overcharging is another problem to avoid, though some battery chargers are designed to prevent this from happening. Your owner’s manual should specify whether you can safely leave your battery on the charger after it has fully charged.

Use the Power Equipment Regularly

Just operating your power equipment on a regular basis can help the battery last longer. This keeps the electrons flowing inside your battery and prevents the harmful stagnation that can occur when the battery is left idle. If you do not plan to use your power equipment regularly, properly store the battery or consider switching to a corded model.

Take Breaks

Taking frequent breaks is not just healthy for the power equipment operator, but it also benefits the machine itself. Just like a gas engine, your equipment battery can overheat, so give your device plenty of chances to cool down throughout a busy workday. If you find it hard to avoid overworking the battery, you can always keep a backup battery on hand.

Adjust the Power Settings

Higher power settings will run down the battery faster, so use lower settings when possible. You should always use the proper setting for the task at hand, and don’t push the limits of your power equipment.

Protect the Battery

Always protect your power equipment from heat, cold, and moisture, especially during long-term storage. Store the battery in a temperature-controlled environment and in its original case. Lithium-ion batteries are best stored at around a 40% charge level, while nickel-based batteries can be fully discharged before storage. Consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions on how to store your power equipment.

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions or are looking to buy some quality power equipment, feel free to get in touch with us at Stoneham's Motorsports in Waynesboro and Everett, PA.