Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb about 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 many work applications which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become an extremely popular option to traditional charging and since its evolution; many businesses have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the typical battery and charger 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 can now accomplish this same charging in about an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Many companies use scheduled lunch and break times to complete this important task.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries would usually need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not require removing the battery from the lift truck in order to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor placed next to the center cell so as to monitor temperature. Once the temperature gets to a particular level, the charge rate is reduced and occasionally even stopped in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. This process can unfortunately lead to an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge battery brands that utilize copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to decrease heat generation and increase conductivity because of the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
These machines have seen their overall productivity increase greatly since the fast charge battery system was developed. Before, businesses used to need more than one machinery when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they can save a lot of money and utilize one forklift twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.