Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding recharging batteries of forklifts. It goes something like: use 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 numerous work operations which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become an extremely common alternative to traditional charging and since its evolution; many businesses have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the average battery and charger 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 about an hour to an hour and a half! A lot of companies use scheduled lunch and break times to complete this important job.
Easier Refills
Usually, fast charge batteries also require 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 located next 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 so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this process could result in an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge battery brands which use inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts so as to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation because of the higher current. These features help to enable the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer time period.
The overall production of these machinery has been greatly better ever since the development 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 save much money and use one forklift twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.