Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding 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 operations that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become a really popular option to traditional charging and since its development; many companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages 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 full 100% charge used to take roughly 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in about an hour to an hour and a half! A lot of companies utilize scheduled lunch and break times to complete this important job.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries will normally require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not need to remove 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 so as 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 could lead to an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge brands of batteries that use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts in order to reduce heat generation and increase conductivity because of the higher current. These features help to enable the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
These machines have seen their overall productivity increase greatly since the fast charge battery system was developed. In the past, businesses used to need more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; now they can save a lot of money and utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.