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WorkForce Power Take-Off Battery Health and Storage Guide

Formerly SmartPTO V3 · Battery Health, Rev 1.5

WORKFORCE POWER TAKE-OFF · DOCUMENTATION

Battery Health and Storage Guide

WorkForce Power Take-Off · formerly SmartPTO · V3 Battery Health, Rev 1.5 (October 2023)

Quick answer. Store a WorkForce Power Take-Off (SmartPTO) battery at 80 to 90 percent state of charge for long-term storage, and never let it sit below 30 percent, which can damage the pack and void the warranty. Check installed units monthly; if charge falls below 50 percent, recharge to at least 80 percent. After 30 days unused, the unit self-manages by entering Long Term Storage Mode at 60 percent.

 

This guide covers how to keep the high-voltage battery healthy, how long a unit can sit before it needs a charge, and how to charge a unit whether it is installed on a truck or still crated. It applies to the WorkForce Power Take-Off, formerly sold as the SmartPTO (V3).

How long can the battery sit before it needs charging?

Viatec ships every unit at 65 to 75 percent charge, which gives several months of storage before charging is needed. A full self-discharge should not happen within three months (90 days), but real timing depends on where the unit sits:

  • Truck-mounted units are usually outdoors and see more temperature swing. Check state of charge every 30 days.
  • Warehouse-stored units sit at stable temperature and generally do not need attention for about 90 days.
  • Controls Extension (Main Control Panel) Harness: 12-pin Deutsch connector at the bulkhead, then to the Main Control Panel (Pump Toggle, Emergency Stop, Touch Encoder). Reset the Emergency Stop before charging.
  • Standard (Level 1) Charger Harness: 4-pin Deutsch connector at the bulkhead, then to the 15-amp extension cord and a 120-volt receptacle.
  • Export Power: 2-pin Anderson connector at the bulkhead to a known-good 12-volt battery. Red to positive, black to negative. Terminate the lugs to match the battery.

What state of charge should you store it at?

For long-term storage over 30 days, charge to 80 to 90 percent first, then unplug. Do not leave it connected to an outlet. Recheck periodically, and if charge drops below 50 percent, bring it back up to the 80 to 90 percent range.

CAUTION Never store the unit below 30 percent state of charge for an extended period (weeks or months). Prolonged low charge can damage the high-voltage batteries and void the warranty.

How often should you check the battery?

For installed units, check state of charge monthly, even when the unit is not in use. If it falls below the 50 percent lower storage limit, charge to at least 80 percent. Record the date each time you charge so the monthly check is easy to track.

What is Long Term Storage Mode?

After 30 days without being powered on, the powertrain automatically enters Long Term Storage Mode. It discharges the high-voltage batteries to 60 percent and balances the cells. From 60 percent, the unit should not fully self-discharge within two months (60 days), depending on conditions. Connecting a charger automatically exits Long Term Storage Mode and restarts the 30-day timer.

Charging a unit that is installed on a truck

If the unit is fully installed with all electrical connections complete, charging is simple: plug the charge connection into a properly rated 120-volt outlet using a cord rated for at least 15 amps continuous. The unit draws about 10 to 11 amps for the charge cycle. Full operation and charging detail is in the Operation Manual.

WARNING Using an improperly rated cord can cause it to heat up, melt, or start a fire.

Watch the LED array (each segment is 10 percent) or the Touch Encoder, which shows exact state of charge and estimated time to full. Charge to 80 to 90 percent, then disconnect.

Charging a unit that is still crated

A crated unit needs three electrical connections made at the bulkhead (fan end) before it can charge. The full step-by-step with connector photos is in the PDF; the outline is below.

Uncrate and access the bulkhead

  1. Remove the crate top panel first, then identify the fan/bulkhead end and remove that side panel.
  2. Remove the accessories box. If the crate holds two units, keep each accessories box with its own unit.
  3. Using a T20 Torx bit, remove the eight screws on the Fan End Panel to reach the hydraulic fittings and electrical connectors.

Make the three charging connections

The accessories box contains the Main Control Panel, Controls Extension Harness, Standard Charger Harness, Export Power Harness, and a 15-amp outdoor extension cord.

Charge

With all three connections made and the Main Control Panel connected, plug in to a 120-volt outlet. Monitor the LED array or Touch Encoder, charge to 80 to 90 percent, then disconnect.

Disconnecting and re-crating a stored unit

Reverse the process: unplug the extension cord, disconnect the Export Power harness (negative first, then positive) and the two bulkhead harnesses, reinstall the eight Fan End Panel screws, coil the harnesses back into the accessories box, and reassemble the crate. Record the charge date, then recheck after three months. Full detail and photos are in the PDF.

Download the full guide with photos: WorkForce Power Take-Off V3 Battery Health Guide, Rev 1.5 (PDF) [link to HubSpot file]

 

Frequently asked questions

How long can a SmartPTO sit without charging?

Up to about three months (90 days) in stable warehouse conditions from its shipped 65 to 75 percent charge. Truck-mounted units exposed to temperature swings should be checked every 30 days.

What is the safe storage charge level for a WorkForce Power Take-Off battery?

80 to 90 percent for long-term storage. Never below 30 percent for an extended period, which can damage the pack and void the warranty. Recharge if it drops below 50 percent.

Do I need to keep it plugged in during storage?

No. Charge to 80 to 90 percent, then unplug. Leaving it connected is not recommended. Disconnect the charger after 24 hours of charging.

What happens after 30 days of no use?

The unit enters Long Term Storage Mode automatically, discharging to 60 percent and balancing the cells. Connecting a charger exits this mode and restarts the 30-day timer.

How do I charge a unit that is still in its crate?

Uncrate to reach the bulkhead, then make three connections: the Controls Extension harness (12-pin), the Standard Level 1 charger harness (4-pin), and the Export Power harness (2-pin Anderson) to a 12-volt battery. Then plug into a 120-volt outlet.

Support

Viatec Customer Care: 833-484-2832 (833-4-VIATEC) · service@viatec.us · viatec.us

ViaTec WorkForce Power Take-Off (formerly SmartPTO V3) · Battery Health and Storage · full document: Battery Health Guide Rev 1.5