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 numerous work applications which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become an extremely popular option to traditional charging and since its evolution; lots of businesses have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits 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 full 100% charge used to take around 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in roughly an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Many companies utilize scheduled lunch and break times to accomplish this important task.
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 forklift 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 in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. This method can unfortunately lead to an undercharged battery. There are some particular fast charge battery brands that utilize inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts 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 production of these equipment has been greatly better ever since the development of the fast charge battery system. Before, businesses used to require more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; now they can utilize one forklift twice as much in a day and save much money by using the fast charging batteries.