Consider the Fast Charge Option
When it comes to recharging the forklift battery, there is an old rule of thumb that goes something like this: use the battery for a shift of about 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and after that allow it to rest and cool for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work operations which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become an extremely popular option to traditional charging and ever since its evolution; lots of companies have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits 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 companies utilize scheduled break and lunch times to complete this important task.
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 located next to the center cell in order 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. Unfortunately, this method could lead to an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge battery brands that utilize inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts so as to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation because of the higher current. These features help to enable the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
The overall production of these machines has been significantly enhanced since the development of the fast charge battery system. In the past, companies used to need more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; now they can save a lot of money and use one lift truck twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.