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, let it cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work applications that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become a really common option to traditional charging and ever since its evolution; lots of 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 full 100% charge used to take approximately 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in around an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Lots of businesses utilize scheduled lunch and break times to accomplish this vital job.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries would normally need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not require removing the battery from the lift truck to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor located near 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 in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this process could lead to an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge battery brands that utilize copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation due to the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer time period.
The overall productivity of these machinery has been significantly better ever since the invention of the fast charge battery system. In the past, businesses used to require more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they could utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day and save much money by using the fast charging batteries.