Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb about recharging batteries of forklifts. It goes something like: utilize 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 applications that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become a very popular alternative to conventional charging and ever since its evolution; numerous businesses have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
It could take a standard charger to charge a battery from 20% charged to 100% charged in about 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in approximately an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! A lot of companies use scheduled lunch and break times to accomplish this vital task.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries will normally require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not have to remove the battery from the forklift 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. Once the temperature gets to a particular level, the charge rate is reduced and sometimes even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method could lead to an undercharged battery. There are some particular fast charge brands of batteries that utilize extra thick posts, copper inserts and inter-cell connectors in order to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation due to the higher current. These features help to enable the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
The overall productivity of these machines has been greatly enhanced since the development of the fast charge battery system. In the past, companies used to require more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they could save a lot of money and use one forklift twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.