Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb about 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 many work applications which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become a really common option to conventional charging and since its development; many companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
It could take a standard charger to charge a battery from 20% charged to 100% charged in approximately 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in roughly an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Lots of companies utilize scheduled lunch and break times to complete this vital job.
Easier Refills
Usually, fast charge batteries also require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not have to remove the battery from the lift truck in order to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor located near the center cell so as to monitor temperature. When the temperature gets to a particular level, the charge rate is reduced and sometimes even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method could lead to an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge brands of batteries which utilize extra thick posts, copper inserts and inter-cell connectors so as to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation 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 production of these equipment has been greatly enhanced ever since the invention of the fast charge battery system. In the past, companies used to require more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; now they can save a lot of money and utilize one forklift twice as much in a day with by utilizing the fast charging batteries.