Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding 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 many work applications which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become an extremely popular option to conventional charging and ever since its evolution; lots of businesses have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the average charger and battery was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a complete 100% charge used to take approximately 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in roughly an hour to an hour and a half! Many businesses use scheduled break and lunch times to accomplish this vital job.
Easier Refills
Usually, fast charge batteries also require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not have to remove 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 in order to monitor temperature. Once the temperature gets to a specific level, the charge rate is reduced and sometimes even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. This method can unfortunately result in an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge brands of batteries that utilize copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts in order to increase conductivity and decrease 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.
These machinery have seen their overall production 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; now they can utilize one forklift twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by using the fast charging batteries.