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 lastly, let it cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for many work operations that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become an extremely popular alternative to conventional charging and ever since its development; numerous businesses have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the typical charger and battery was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a complete 100% charge used to take roughly 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in approximately an hour to an hour and a half! Numerous companies utilize scheduled break and lunch times to complete this vital job.
Easier Refills
Usually, fast charge batteries also need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not require removing the battery from the forklift in order 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 particular level, the charge rate is reduced and occasionally even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. This method could unfortunately result in 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 reduce heat generation and increase conductivity due to the higher current. These features help to enable the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
These equipment have seen their overall productivity increase greatly since the fast charge battery system was developed. Before, businesses used to require more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they could save a lot of money and utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day with by utilizing the fast charging batteries.