Consider the Fast Charge Option
When it comes to recharging the battery of a forklift, there is an old rule of thumb that goes something like this: utilize the battery for a shift of about 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then allow it to cool and rest for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for many work applications that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become an extremely popular alternative to conventional charging and ever since its development; numerous companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits 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 complete 100% charge used to take around 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in approximately an hour to an hour and a half! Many companies use scheduled break and lunch times to complete this vital job.
Easier Refills
Frequently, 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 in order to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor placed close to the center cell in order to monitor temperature. When the temperature gets to a particular level, the charge rate is reduced and occasionally even stopped in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. This method can unfortunately result in an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge brands of batteries that use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation 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 since the invention 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 lift truck twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.