Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb about recharging forklift batteries. It goes something like: use a battery for 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then lastly, allow it to cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for a lot of work operations which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become an extremely common option to conventional charging and ever 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 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 important 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 lift truck in order to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor placed close to the center cell so as to monitor temperature. Once 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 several particular fast charge brands of batteries which use extra thick posts, copper inserts and inter-cell connectors in order to decrease 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.
The overall productivity of these equipment has been significantly enhanced since the development of the fast charge battery system. In the past, businesses used to need more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; now they can save much money and use one lift truck twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.