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, let it cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for many work applications that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging option has become an extremely popular alternative to traditional charging and since its evolution; numerous companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the typical charger and battery 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 about an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Numerous businesses utilize scheduled break and lunch 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 lift truck in order to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor placed near the center cell so as 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. Unfortunately, this process can lead to an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge battery brands that use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to increase conductivity and decrease 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.
These equipment have seen their overall productivity increase significantly ever since the fast charge battery system was created. Before, companies used to need more than one machinery when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they can use one forklift twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by utilizing the fast charging batteries.