Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding recharging forklift batteries. It goes something like: utilize a battery for 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then finally, 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 alternative has become an extremely popular alternative 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 complete 100% charge used to take approximately 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in about an hour to an hour and a half! Many companies utilize scheduled break and lunch times to accomplish this vital task.
Easier Refills
Frequently, fast charge batteries also need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not have to remove the battery from the lift truck to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor located close to the center cell so as to monitor temperature. When the temperature gets to a specific level, the charge rate is reduced and occasionally even stopped in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method can lead to an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge brands of batteries which use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts in order to decrease heat generation and increase conductivity due to the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer time period.
The overall productivity of these machines has been significantly better ever since the invention of the fast charge battery system. In the past, businesses used to require more than one machinery when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they could use one lift truck twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by using the fast charging batteries.