Consider the Fast Charge Option
Regarding the recharging the forklift battery, there is an old rule of thumb which goes something like this: use the battery for a shift of around 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and afterward let it rest and cool for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work applications which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become a very popular option to traditional charging and since its development; lots of companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the typical 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 30 minutes! Many businesses utilize scheduled lunch and break times to complete this important task.
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 to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor located close 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 so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this process can result in an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge battery brands that use extra thick posts, copper inserts and inter-cell connectors so as to reduce heat generation and increase conductivity because of the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
The overall productivity of these equipment has been significantly better ever since the invention of the fast charge battery system. Before, businesses used to need more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; now they could use one forklift twice as much in a day and save much money by utilizing the fast charging batteries.