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 finally, 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 alternative has become an extremely common option to conventional charging and since its development; many companies have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
It can take a typical charger to charge a battery from 20% charged to 100% charged in about 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in around an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! A lot of businesses utilize scheduled lunch and break times to accomplish this vital job.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries will usually need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not need 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 next 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. This method could unfortunately result in an undercharged battery. There are several specific fast charge battery brands that utilize inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts so as to reduce heat generation and increase conductivity due to 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 equipment has been greatly enhanced since the invention of the fast charge battery system. In the past, companies used to require more than one machinery when they were operating around the clock; now they can use one forklift twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by using the fast charging batteries.