Charging & Power Sources
Crown FC 5700 charging procedures depend on power-source type: flooded lead-acid uses the disconnected battery connector, while V-Force lithium-ion connects via its dedicated charge port.
STORMY Editorial · · 8 min read
Recharging a Crown FC 5700 Series counterbalance forklift begins with identifying the installed power source and matching charger ratings before connecting in an authorized area. Crown operator documentation establishes two distinct charging paths: flooded lead-acid batteries require unplugging from the truck and connecting the charger directly to the battery connector, whereas V-Force lithium-ion batteries connect directly via the dedicated battery charge port.
Park the truck on a level surface in the authorized area provided by the company for power source work and charging. Lower the forks completely to the floor, place all controls in neutral, apply the parking brake, and turn the key switch to OFF (red dot).
Inspect the truck data plate and power source identification plate to identify the power source type (such as flooded lead-acid or V-Force lithium-ion). Read the charger specification plate and verify that the charger output voltage and amperage match the power source data plate exactly.
For flooded lead-acid batteries: verify the charging area provides ventilation for gassing fumes and electrolyte neutralizing facilities per OSHA 1910.178(g); unplug the battery connector from the truck; verify the charger is turned OFF; and plug the charger directly into the battery connector—never the truck connector. For V-Force lithium-ion batteries: plug the charger into the dedicated battery charge port following manufacturer instructions.
Follow the power source and charger manufacturer instructions to complete the charging cycle. For flooded lead-acid batteries, turn off or unplug the charger when finished before plugging the battery connector back into the truck. For V-Force lithium-ion batteries, unplug the charger from the charge port when opportunity charging is finished or full charge is reached.
| Charging Parameter | Flooded Lead-Acid Battery Branch | V-Force Lithium-Ion Battery Branch |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Connection Point | Disconnected battery connector (never the truck chassis connector) | Dedicated battery charge port on the V-Force lithium-ion pack |
| Pre-Connection Truck Step | Turn truck OFF, neutral controls, and unplug battery connector from truck receptacle | Turn truck OFF and access the dedicated battery charge port |
| Charger Rating Requirement | Charger voltage and amperage must match battery data plate exactly | Charger voltage and amperage must match V-Force battery specification |
| Chemistry-Specific Safety Controls | Charger OFF before connecting, ventilation for gassing fumes, eye protection, and neutralizing facilities | Follow V-Force manufacturer instructions for charge port connection and temperature limits |
| Post-Charging Reconnection | Unplug charger, then plug battery connector back into the truck receptacle | Unplug charger from battery charge port (opportunity or full charge complete) |
When charging a Crown FC 5700 equipped with a flooded lead-acid battery, the operator must disconnect the battery from the truck prior to connecting the charger. The operator turns off the truck, verifies all controls are in neutral, and unplugs the power source connector from the truck receptacle.
Crown Operator Manual 600104-000 Rev. E explicitly mandates: 'Make sure that the battery charger is plugged into the battery connector, not the truck connector.' Page 45 further requires that the charger be turned OFF before connecting the battery to prevent electrical sparks. Because lead-acid batteries emit explosive gasses during charging and contain corrosive sulfuric acid, charging must be performed in designated areas equipped with ventilation and neutralizing facilities per OSHA 1910.178(g).
For trucks equipped with a V-Force lithium-ion battery, Crown documentation establishes a separate charging protocol using a dedicated external charge port. The operator turns off the truck and plugs the charger directly into the battery charge port without disconnecting the primary battery connector from the truck.
Page 41 specifies that operators can opportunity charge V-Force lithium-ion batteries during breaks or whenever the truck is not in use. Once opportunity charging is finished or the battery is fully charged, the operator unplugs the charger from the charge port in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Across all FC 5700 power sources, operators must verify that the charger matches the correct voltage and amperage specified on the power source data plate. Only Crown-approved power sources are permitted, and any power source modifications must be performed exclusively by authorized service personnel.
All power source work and charging must occur in an authorized area provided by the company. Operators must be trained and authorized before handling or charging power sources. If visual checks reveal damaged cables, corroded connectors, or charger faults, operators must tag out the equipment for qualified service personnel.
This guide applies to the Crown FC 5700 Series electric counterbalance forklift across approved power source options (flooded lead-acid and V-Force lithium-ion). It covers operator-authorized charging procedures and data plate rating verification. It does not replace the manufacturer service manual or authorize electrical repairs.