april2023 - 25

Like anything else, Purkey's Rambeaux noted,
you can learn a lot from failed products and
batteries are no different. " Tests can very easily
tell if batteries have been over cycled, subjected
to higher heat environments, have seen high
vibration during their service life, or extended
periods of time in a discharged condition, " he
said. " All of these can help battery manufacturers
improve their batteries
for an application or recommend
a different product.
" As new technology comes
into the industry there will
also be a lot of opportunities
for shop equipment to
be developed to be able to
properly charge and test
these new types of batteries
and high voltage battery
packs, " Rambeaux added.
" Across the industry, basic
training is still required and
management needs to make
sure shop policies and procedures
are followed.
" Batteries have changed in
many ways and have become
better, but in the heavy-duty
market no battery is
truly maintenance-free, "
Rambeaux added. " Technicians
still need to know how
to properly inspect, clean and
test batteries. "
Battery service technicians
will need basic and advanced
tools as well, Self pointed
out. Included are computers
with CAN (Controller
Area Network) connectivity,
diagnostic tools, standard
multi-meters for checking
voltage and current on a
vehicle, and common hand
tools. " Technicians will also
need specialized training on
low-voltage, high-capacity DC
circuits and an understanding
of safety parameters
used by battery management
systems from various manufacturers, "
he added.
For EnerSys' Gregory,
equipment designed for
higher voltage and technicians
who understand higher
voltage, electric motors, energy
conversion, safety, and all
related PPE and tools will be
important in the years and
decades ahead.
Examples he noted include
improved electrical training
for a better understanding
of voltage drop and how to
correct it, the signs of bad
connections, how a variety
of sensors work, and how
to identify problems with
repair connectors for communications and
sensor systems.
In addition, fleets must learn how to get and
use the data collected on or by these systems. And
once the data is available, it's important to identify
the environmental effects that the information is
communicating may have on the batteries, like
low or high voltage, low or high current, temperatures,
and daily drive cycles.
" These tools and this understanding will be
important to fleets and technicians as we move
into the future, " Gregory stated. " Batteries are
chemistry-driven devices and respond to environmental
and duty cycle changes. What can be
started on today is gaining knowledge of what is
good for batteries and what isn't. "
Your Shop Equipment Solution
AT GRAY MANUFACTURING, WE DON'T JUST BUILD JACKS AND TRUCK LIFTS,
we build solutions that equip you for more efficient repairs and maintenance. From the
exceptional quality of our products to our focus on assisting customers after the sale,
every part of our business is designed to serve you. That's what makes Gray Manufacturing
products the best in the industry.
You might find that you pay a little more for our products, but they're safe, dependable
and long-lasting. Is it worth it? Our customers say it is.
Experience
The Gray
Difference
We have several Gray Products. When
making purchasing decisions, I pay close
attention to service life versus cost. I
can't figure replacement cost for Gray
because, for over ten years, I haven't
replaced anything. "
- Ryan K.
Gray Manufacturing is the only truck
lift system I truly considered. The
customer service is second to none,
and the quality of their products is
what you would expect from a U.S.
manufacturer! "
- Mike D.
1.800.821.7320 GRAYUSA.COM
April 2023 | FleetMaintenance.com
25
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april2023

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