Lift truck batteries often offer long life that's coupled with rugged service. Seven years is not an unreasonable life expectancy for a conventional lead-acid battery. And under the right conditions and with proper care and maintenance, that battery can provide reliable power for 10 years or more.

But 26 years? As surprising as that sounds, the Swenson Co. of Raritan, N.J. had been using the same battery for that long in its mold-making business.

Victor Swenson III, a third-generation toolmaker and now president of Swenson, comes from a long line of craftsmen who know the value of a dollar. An 85-amp battery had powered the company's first forklift since it was purchased by Swenson's father  then president  back in 1974. Finally, in December 2000, that battery was taken out of service, "I was still in college in 1974 and working in the plant during summer breaks," Swenson says. "Back then, we were still moving materials by hand. So I suggested to Dad that we buy a lift truck." Swenson, who purchased the custom injection mold making company from his father in 1988, jokes it was probably the only time his father ever listened to him.

The forklift and battery initially were used in the company's original plant in Kearny, N.J., to unload 40-foot trailers. Since the company's 1994 move to Raritan, the lift truck has remained on active duty, effortlessly lifting and positioning 2,500-pound molds.

The battery proved so reliable that Swenson had it reconditioned rather than replaced about 15 years ago. "Like any battery, good maintenance practices will extend its life," Swenson says. "We check the water and charging connectors twice a week and check the acid once a year."

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