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, allow it to cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for a lot of work operations that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging option has become a very common option to conventional charging and since its evolution; numerous companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the standard battery and charger 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 can now accomplish this same charging in about an hour to an hour and a half! Many companies utilize scheduled break and lunch times to accomplish this vital job.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries will usually require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not have to remove the battery from the lift truck in order to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
There is a thermistor placed near the center cell on every new fast charge battery that helps it to monitor temperature. The charge rate is reduced and can sometimes stop once the temperatures get to a particular level. This is important so that the battery does not overheat. This method could unfortunately result in an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge battery brands which use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts in order 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 time period.
The overall productivity of these machinery has been greatly enhanced since the invention of the fast charge battery system. Before, businesses used to need more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; now they can save much money and use one lift truck twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.