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, 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 popular option to conventional charging and since its development; many businesses have chosen 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 roughly an hour to an hour and a half! Many businesses use scheduled lunch and break times to complete this vital task.
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 forklift in order 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 can result in an undercharged battery. There are some particular fast charge brands of batteries which use inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts in order to increase conductivity and decrease heat generation because of the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer time period.
These machinery have seen their overall productivity increase greatly since the fast charge battery system was created. Before, companies used to need more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; now they can utilize one forklift twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by using the fast charging batteries.