Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding recharging forklift batteries. It goes something like: use a battery for 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then lastly, let it cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work applications that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become an extremely common option to conventional charging and ever since its evolution; many businesses have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages 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 roughly an hour to an hour and a half! Numerous companies utilize scheduled lunch and break times to accomplish this important task.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries will normally require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not need 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 next 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 so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. This method can unfortunately lead to an undercharged battery. There are some particular fast charge brands of batteries that utilize inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts so as to increase conductivity and decrease heat generation due to 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 since the fast charge battery system was developed. In the past, businesses used to need more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; now they can utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by using the fast charging batteries.