Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding recharging batteries of forklifts. It goes something like: use a battery for 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then lastly, allow it to cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for lots of work applications which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become a very common option to conventional charging and ever since its evolution; many companies have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the average charger and battery was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a full 100% charge used to take about 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in roughly an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Numerous companies use scheduled lunch and break times to complete this important job.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries would usually require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not have to remove the battery from the forklift to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor placed close to the center cell in order to monitor temperature. When the temperature gets to a specific level, the charge rate is reduced and sometimes even stopped in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method could result in an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge brands of batteries that use extra thick posts, copper inserts and inter-cell connectors in order to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation because of the higher current. These features help to enable the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer time period.
These machines have seen their overall production increase significantly ever since the fast charge battery system was created. In the past, businesses used to need more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; now they can save a lot of money and utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day with by utilizing the fast charging batteries.